A novel Cu-bearing high-entropy alloy with significant antibacterial behavior against corrosive marine biofilms

Abstract The design of novel high-entropy alloys (HEAs) provides a unique opportunity for the development of structure-function integrated materials with high mechanical and antimicrobial properties. In this study, by employing the antibacterial effect of copper, a novel Al0.4CoCrCuFeNi HEA with broad-spectrum antibacterial and strong mechanical properties was designed. High concentrations of copper ions released from the HEA prevented the growth and biofilm formation by biocorrosive marine bacterial species. These findings serve as a proof-of-concept for the further development of unique HEA materials with the high antimicrobial efficiency and mechanical properties, compared to conventional antibacterial alloys.