Eco-Friendly Piezoelectric Coatings with Active Fouling Repulsion and Controlled Antifouling-Agent Release for Marine Biofouling Management

Abstract

Traditional marine antifouling coatings are limited by their inability to simultaneously achieve interfacial fouling release and three-dimensional spatial antifouling protection. Inspired by the electroactive epidermis of Xenopus laevis, this work proposes a multifunctional antifouling strategy integrating piezoelectric driven interfacial regulation with controllable nitric oxide (NO) release. Composite coatings (PGxZ@B) were constructed by combining a graphene (Gr)-reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezoelectric matrix with a ZIF-8-encapsulated photoresponsive NO donor (ZIF@BNN6). The Gr-induced heterogeneous nucleation promoted the formation of the electroactive β phase. Under the mechanical stimulation of flowing water, the enhanced piezoelectric effect triggered a dynamic redistribution of surface charges, thereby facilitating the detachment of contaminants through electrostatic repulsion, with a detachment efficiency as high as 95.92%. Meanwhile, piezoelectrically generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) achieved antibacterial activity up to 92.39% against E. coli and S. aureus. Under ultraviolet irradiation, ZIF@BNN6 enabled the controlled release of gaseous NO as an antifouling agent, achieving 100% bacterial inactivation and algal inhibition in three-dimensional space. By integrating piezoelectric fouling release, ROS mediated antibacterial activity, and NO-based spatial protection, this work establishes a dynamic antifouling platform for synergistic surface and spatial regulation, providing a promising strategy for long-term marine antifouling applications.