ELECTROCHEMICAL ANTIFOULING DEVICE COMPRISING UNDERWATER STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF PRODUCING UNDERWATER STRUCTURE USED FOR THE DEVICE

摘要

An electrochemical antifouling device, comprising an underwater structure of which the antifouling surface comprises an electrically conductive film that does not generate chlorine even if a potential lower than 5 V vs. SCE is applied thereto, an opposing electrode out of contact with the underwater structure, and a power source for supplying a direct current between the underwater structure and the opposing electrode. By applying a potential of from 0.1 to 5 V vs. SCE to the underwater structure, it becomes possible to effectively control underwater organisms adherent to the surface of the electrically conductive film without evolving chlorine. By disposing a reference electrode between the underwater structure and the opposing electrode, the potential applied to the electrically conducting film can be precisely controlled. The electrically conductive film is preferably a spray-coated metal nitride.