An overview of progresses and challenges of electrochemically integrated multi-electrode arrays for probing localised corrosion in complex environmental conditions

Since the electrochemically integrated multi-electrode array, often referred to as the wire beam electrode, was initially developed for corrosion studies in 1990s, remarkable progresses have been made in its applications for probing and monitoring various forms of localised corrosion that are difficult-to-measure by conventional methods. This paper provides a brief overview of diverse and innovative applications of variously designed and constructed electrode array probes for measuring localised corrosion under complex environmental conditions with particular focus on the discussion of challenges and obstacles that prevent wider applications of electrode arrays. Discussion on future perspectives have included suggestions on the innovative design and fabrication of multi-scale, three-dimensional, complex shaped and patterned electrode arrays for simulating microstructural features of heterogeneous alloys and thoughts on the future integration of corrosion monitoring data and data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence for future prediction, modelling and prevention of corrosion in industrial applications.