Electrochemical and surface analytical techniques applied to microbiologically influenced corrosion investigation

Abstract

Abstract Suitable application of techniques for detection and monitoring of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of the interactions and for selecting inhibition and control approaches. This paper presents a review of the application of electrochemical and surface analytical techniques in studying the MIC process of metals and their alloys. Conventional electrochemical techniques, such as corrosion potential (E corr), redox potential, dual-cell technique, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical noise (EN) analysis, and microelectrode techniques, are discussed, with examples of their use in various MIC studies. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, which is newly used in MIC study, is also discussed. Microscopic techniques [scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental SEM (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal laser microscopy (CLM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), confocal Raman microscopy] and spectroscopic analytical methods [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)] are also highlighted. This review highlights the heterogeneous characteristics of microbial consortia and use of special techniques to study their probable effects on the metal substrata. The aim of this review is to motivate using a combination of new procedures for research and practical measurement and calculation of the impact of MIC and biofilms on metals and their alloys.