MXene/Metal–Organic framework based composite coating with photothermal self-healing performances for antifouling application

Antifouling coatings have been widely utilized to prevent microbial attachment. However, these coatings can be damaged and lose their effectiveness, leading researchers to develop coatings that can self-heal. In this study, a novel metal–organic framework (MZ-8) based on mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) was successfully synthesized by forming coordination bonds with 2-methylimidazole and zinc salt. The MZ-8 was then combined with Ti₃C₂T_X nanosheets (MXene) to create an organic–inorganic nanocomposite (MZ-8/MXene), which was used as a filler for polyurethane (PU) resin. The resulting MZ-8/MXene/PU coating exhibited a remarkable ability to convert near-infrared laser (NIR) light into heat, enabling the PU resin to melt and flow, thereby efficiently repairing mechanical damage with over 92% effectiveness. Additionally, the MZ-8/MXene/PU coating reduced microbial adhesion through the photothermal effect and the release of zinc ions and MBT, achieving a reduction of more than 99% in surface-attached bacteria and 93% in microalgae. Moreover, the coating demonstrated good anti-corrosion properties by inhibiting the penetration of corrosive substances, thanks to the protective film formed by MBT and the shielding properties of layered MXene. This study presents a novel approach to develop coatings with both antifouling and self-healing capabilities, offering wide-ranging applications in fields such as marine antifouling and biomedical instruments.