Abstract: An apparatus for friction reduction and biofouling prevention is invented, which consists of an anodic electro-catalytic layer and a cathodic electro-catalytic layer installed on the submerged surface of a carrier. There is an insulating filling between the anodic layer and the cathodic layer. The layered coatings are applied with the use of electric arc spraying technique. A first DC power supply unit is connected to the anodic layer and the cathodic layer. The anodic layer, the cathodic layer, the DC power supply unit, and water together form the conducting path for water electro-catalysis. Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced to form a thin gas film on the submerged surface to reduce friction and prevent biofouling on the carrier. Alternatively, the apparatus produces hydroxyl radicals to kill marine microorganisms and reduce the risk of biofouling and biocorrosion.

Abstract: A device with microbubble-induced superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction and biofouling prevention includes an anodic microporous plate, a cathodic microporous plate, and a DC power supply. The anodic microporous plate and the cathodic microporous plate are mounted to a hull surface of a ship. The DC power supply includes a positive pole electrically connected to the anodic microporous plate and a negative pole electrically connected to the cathodic microporous plate. Seawater is electrolyzed to generate hydrogen microbubbles adjacent to a surface of the cathodic microporous plate and to generate oxygen microbubbles adjacent to a surface of the anodic microporous plate, forming superhydrophobic surfaces on the surfaces of the anodic microporous plate and the cathodic microporous plate. Electric current flows through the anodic microporous plate and the cathodic microporous plate to prevent biofouling.

Abstract: A device with microbubble-induced superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction and biofouling prevention includes an anodic microporous plate, a cathodic microporous plate, and a DC power supply. The anodic microporous plate and the cathodic microporous plate are mounted to a hull surface of a ship. The DC power supply includes a positive pole electrically connected to the anodic microporous plate and a negative pole electrically connected to the cathodic microporous plate. Seawater is electrolyzed to generate hydrogen microbubbles adjacent to a surface of the cathodic microporous plate and to generate oxygen microbubbles adjacent to a surface of the anodic microporous plate, forming superhydrophobic surfaces on the surfaces of the anodic microporous plate and the cathodic microporous plate. Electric current flows through the anodic microporous plate and the cathodic microporous plate to prevent biofouling.