We report the use of a single layer of two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (SL-hBN) as the thinnest insulating barrier to microbial corrosion induced by the sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20. We used electrochemical methods to assess the corrosion resistance of SL-hBN on copper against the effects of both the planktonic and sessile forms of the sulfate-reducing bacteria. Cyclic voltammetry results show that SL-hBN-Cu is effective in suppressing corrosion effects of the planktonic cells at potentials as high as 0.2 V ( vs Ag/AgCl). The peak anodic current for the SL-hBN coatings is ∼36 times lower than that of bare Cu. Linear polarization resistance tests confirm that the SL-hBN coatings serve as a barrier against corrosive effects of the G20 biofilm when compared to bare Cu. The SL-hBN serves as an impermeable barrier to aggressive metabolites and offers ∼91% corrosion inhibition efficiency, which is comparable to much thicker commercial coatings such as polyaniline. In addition to impermeability, the insulating nature of SL-hBN suppresses galvanic effects and improves its ability to combat microbial corrosion.

Protective coatings are widely used to control microbially induced corrosion (MIC) of ferrous and nonferrous metals and maintain their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The use of ultrathin graphene films as protective coatings in biological environments is discussed in this article. The way the atomic scale surficial features of graphene coatings influence adherence, colonization, and biofilm growth aspects of bacteria responsible for MIC of underlying metals is discussed. A critical review of the literature is carried out to evaluate the microbial corrosion resistance of pristine graphene and its functionalized forms. The article is concluded with a discussion on environmental impacts, technical challenges and potential solutions, and commercialization prospects of graphene coatings.