Title: Non-contact electrochemical evaluation of biofilms

Abstract

Abstract Here, we demonstrate a non-contact technique for electrochemical evaluation of biofilms on surfaces in relation to corrosion. Electrochemical impedance spectrometry was employed, incorporating flat patterned electrodes positioned over the surfaces of aluminum and glass with and without biofilms. Signal communication from the working electrode to the counter electrode followed electric field lines passing tangentially through the biofilms. Electrochemical impedance parameters that were evaluated included complex impedance, phase angle, imaginary (out of phase) conductivity and Cole–Cole plots with a corresponding equivalent circuit. Changes in the impedance properties due to the presence of biofilms were monitored and correlated through microbiological, chemical and electrochemical assays. Impedance parameters associated with microbial activity correlated with biofilms on aluminum and glass surfaces. This technical approach provides impedance information about the biofilm without the signal traveling through the underlying conductive media or disrupting the biofilm. In this way, biological contributions to surface fouling can be evaluated with minimal contribution from the inorganic surface under the biofilm. In addition, this technique can be used to monitor biofilms on electrochemically inert surfaces as well as electrically conductive surfaces. Graphic abstract

Authors:

Turick, Charles E. ;

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Colon-Mercado, Hector; Bagwell, Christopher E.; Greenway, Scott D.; Amoroso, Jake W.

Publication Date:

Wed Feb 12 00:00:00 EST 2020

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1619436

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC09-08SR22470

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

SN Applied Sciences

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: SN Applied Sciences Journal Volume: 2 Journal Issue: 3; Journal ID: ISSN 2523-3963

Publisher:

Springer Science + Business Media

Country of Publication:

Switzerland

Language:

English