A basic research program has been developed to determine chemical and biological processes in natural marine systems that initiate and control biodeterioration of materials. Microfouling and corrosion processes begin immediately on exposure of metal to an aquatic environment. Micro-organisms within biofilms are capable of maintaining environments at biofilm/surface interfaces that are radically different from the bulk in terms of pH, dissolved oxygen, and other organic and inorganic species. In some cases, these interfacial conditions could not be maintained in bulk medium at room temperature near atmospheric pressure. As a consequence, micro-organisms within biofilms produce reactions that are not predicated by thermodynamic arguments based on the chemistry of the bulk medium. Research opportunities include microbiology, biomineralogy, electrochemistry, surface chemistry, organic and organometallic chemistry, metallurgy, and materials science.

 

References

Lee JS, et al: 2012. Journal of the Electrochemical Society 159(11): C530, 2012

Lee JS, et al: Biofouling 28(5): 465, 2012

 

key words

Corrosion; Microbiology; Materials; Metals; Marine; Biodegradation; Bioelectrochemistry; Bioenergetics; Oxides;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants