Metal–organic framework-enhanced hydrogel/polyurethane interpenetrating network for antifouling applications

Marine biofouling presents a persistent global challenge, driving the urgent development of novel, multifunctional anti-fouling coatings. Herein, we fabricate an advanced nanocomposite coating based on interpenetrating polymer network (hydrogel-polyurethane). This architecture incorporates silver-metal organic frameworks (Ag-MOFs) and MXene nanosheets within its matrix. The coating exhibits outstanding antifouling and anticorrosion performance. The hydrogel constituent establishes a hydration layer that prevents fouling organism adhesion, while the polyurethane matrix imparts mechanical robustness. The incorporation of MXene nanosheets and Ag-MOFs create a synergistic “binding effect”, enhancing the crosslinking density of the polymer network and reducing structural defects, thereby achieving improved mechanical performance. Ag ions' release from the Ag-MOFs imparts significant antimicrobial properties to the coating, achieving antifouling efficiency exceeding 99 % against marine bacteria and diatoms. Notably, the localized surface plasmon resonance of MXene imparts the coating with excellent photothermal conversion capability, achieving a photothermal conversion efficiency of 91 %. Furthermore, the coating also exhibits great corrosion resistance. This study introduces a strategic methodology for developing high-performance marine antifouling coatings through the integration of multifunctional polymer networks with nanostructured defense mechanisms.