Robust Fluorescent Silica/Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogel Membrane for Tracking and Antifouling

Until now, traditional hydrogels have no long-term application in ship antifouling owing to their poor mechanical properties. Herein, the synergetic application strategy of nitrogen-doped carbon dots loaded silica (SiO 2 @N-CDs) nanoparticles to enhance polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel membrane was proposed. The incorporation of SiO 2 @N-CDs improves the water retention and mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Importantly, the SiO 2 @N-CDs/PEG hydrogel exhibits remarkable antiadhesion capacity against bacteria, showing excellent antifouling performance. Fluorescence distribution analysis indicates alterations in the surface and fracture morphology of the hydrogel owing to SiO 2 @N-CDs, with a “twill-fold” change in fracture. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations show that SiO 2 enhances the hydration layer of the hydrogel, contributing to its enhanced water retention effect. These findings provide avenues for the development of ship antifouling materials.