Self‐Regenerating Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating Modified by Metal‐Organic Framework for Integrated Anti‐Biofouling and Anti‐Corrosion

Abstract Hydrogel coating has a certain ability to inhibit marine biofouling. However, owing to their poor mechanical properties and short service life, they have not found solid applications in marine protection. Herein, a novel self‐regenerating zwitterionic hydrogel coating composed of a self‐crosslinking degradable polymer with hydrolysis‐induced zwitterions and corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) loaded metal‐organic framework (MOF) is reported, which exhibits both anti‐biofouling and anti‐corrosion performance. The polymer is prepared by copolymerization of 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (MDO) and vinyl chloroacetate (VCA) followed by grafting with 2‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl dimethylamino propionate (TPD). It can self‐crosslink or crosslink with BTA‐loaded MOF forming a network, and even chemically link the substrate creating a robust interface. Accordingly, the hydrogel coating exhibits good mechanical properties and adhesion. Because the zwitterionic surface with antifouling ability can be continuously renewed by the degradation and hydrolysis of the polymer, the coating has high resistance to bacteria and diatom in seawater. The degradation and hydrolysis also enable the release of BTA, significantly inhibiting surface corrosion. This study represents an important step toward the integration of hydrogel into anti‐biofouling and anti‐corrosion coating.