Toward the Application of Graphene for Combating Marine Biofouling

Abstract The discovery of graphene has brought great innovations to materials science. Since tributyltin antifouling coatings were banned worldwide in 2008, the development of green antifouling coatings has become necessary. Recently, novel graphene‐related antifouling coatings have been the focus of many studies due to their enhanced mechanical strength, excellent antifouling capabilities, and environmental friendliness. This review starts by introducing the basic antifouling mechanisms of graphene nanosheets and the possible antifouling mechanisms when graphene is incorporated into coatings. Subsequently, the progress and existing problems regarding the application of graphene in the prevention of marine biofouling are discussed. Specifically, this review focuses on six graphene‐related antifouling coatings, including pure graphene film, nanohybrids, foul release coatings, photocatalytic nanocomposites, desalination membranes, and materials for uranium enrichment. The fabrication, antifouling properties, working mechanisms, and future development of graphene‐related antifouling coatings are highlighted. In addition, the potential environmental risk of using graphene materials in preventing marine biofouling is explained, and the basic requirements for designing an environmentally friendly graphene‐related antifouling coating are discussed. Finally, the prospect of applying graphene materials for combating marine biofouling is presented. This review aims to aid in improving the design of graphene‐related green antifouling coatings.