Electrochemical (pre)treatments to prevent biofouling

In order to prevent the formation of a biofilm on the surface of materials in an aqueous environment various strategies could be developed. Notably following an electrochemical route it is possible to apply a potential which could lead to (i) oxidation of halide anions leading to the formation of biocidal molecules, (ii) O-2 reduction leading to H2O2, (iii) water reduction leading to H-2 bubbles or (iv) a low-intensity electric potential. Moreover an electrochemical method could be used to nano or microstructure the material surface or to deposit on the material a coating which would avoid protein adsorption or microorganism attachment and therefore the formation of a biofilm, this coating could be of an inorganic or an organic film.