Abstract: A method is provided for decontaminating a surface that is susceptible to contamination by a contaminant by applying to the surface a coating which produces a decontaminating agent for the contaminant in response to a signal, connecting the electroactive coating to a source of a signal, and when the surface is contaminated, applying the signal to the electroactive coating, thereby producing one or more decontaminating agents which neutralize or destroy the contaminant. Coatings for practicing the method and articles that have been protected by the novel coatings are also provided.