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 (SiO2@N-CDs) nanoparticles to enhance polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel membrane was proposed. The incorporation of SiO2@N-CDs improves the water retention and mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Importantly, the SiO2@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 SiO2@N-CDs, with a “twill-fold” change in fracture. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations show that SiO2 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.