Ethylenediamine-N,N’-disuccinate (EDDS) is successfully intercalated between layered double hydroxide (LDH) sheets leading to hybrid assembly [Zn2Al(OH)6]+ [EDDS]4- 0.25 2H2O (LDH-EDDS4-). The electrochemical behaviour of the carbon steel carried out in a neutral and aerated sodium chloride solution shows the surface reactivity of carbon steel is significantly decreased in presence of functionalized LDH-EDDS4-. To elucidate the inhibition mechanism provided by the hybrid assembly LDH-EDDS4-, each part constituting the funtionalized LDH is studied alone (Zn2+, Al3+ or EDDS4-) or in combination. A synergy effect between Zn2+ cations and EDDS4- anions is highlighted by anodic polarization and electrochemical impedance. In addition SEM and visual observations confirm the efficiency provided by the hybrid LDH-EDDS4- to protect carbon steel surface from corrosion.