Tailoring nanomaterials for the mitigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC): From interfacial...

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) represents a critical degradation process driven by complex physicochemical and biological interactions at the solid-liquid interface. While conventional chemical biocides are widely employed to mitigate MIC, their efficacy is fundamentally hindered by their inability to effectively penetrate the protective extracellular polymeric substance colloidal matrix. Furthermore, their deployment is increasingly constrained by three prominent drawbacks, which include insufficient targeting specificity leading to cross-resistance in pathogens, severe environmental toxicity because maintaining efficacy within the biofilm requires elevated dosages that threaten non-target aquatic organisms, and stringent regulatory limitations driving the urgent need for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives. To overcome these interfacial barriers, engineered nanomaterials have emerged as a promising alternative. Leveraging their high specific surface area, tunable surface chemistries, and intrinsic size-dependent physicochemical properties, nanomaterials offer precise modulation of nano-bio interactions. Whether deployed as targeted nano-biocides or integrated into advanced functional coatings, they can disrupt initial bacterial adhesion and physically or chemically destabilize mature biofilm. Given that the rational design of nanomaterials for MIC mitigation is still evolving and comprehensive reviews from a surface science perspective remain scarce, this paper systematically synthesizes recent advancements in this field. This review aims to thoroughly elucidate the underlying physicochemical mechanisms of nanomaterial-mediated MIC inhibition, thereby establishing a conceptual framework that connects fundamental interface phenomena with the development of next-generation, environmentally benign anti-corrosion strategies.