Electrodeposition Of Minerals In Solution And Its Enhancement By Biological Growth For Structural Applications

The objectives of this program are to determine the parameters of: (1) The electrodeposition of minerals in solution onto large surfaces as substrate for marine growth (artificial reefs); (2) The electrodeposition of minerals onto large surfaces for architectural applications; (3) Sequencing and the interaction of biogenetic and diagenetic processes on large surfaces. The adopted model for electrochemical reactions during electrodeposition processes of minerals in solution is shown in Figure 1. A generalized arrangement of anode and cathode for diagenetic electrodeposition is shown in Figure 2. The term "phasing", as used throughout this report, needs clarification: an example of this process is given by a structure which undergoes electrodeposition (diagenesis) and is subsequently subjected to direct interaction with marine life which might change the properties of the previously deposited material (biogenesis). After these two phases, a third, diagenetic phase might be initiated, and so forth.