Antimicrobial and corrosion protection of coatings by copper metal organic frameworks loaded with titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Preparing multifunctional coatings with both anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling properties is crucial. Copper has been in the spotlight as an effective biocide, especially in the recent past concerning its impact on causing environmental hazards. Reducing the amount used and increasing its efficiency have become the focus of researchers. The hybridization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) with copper metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can significantly improve antimicrobial performance due to its photocatalytic properties. Composites (TiO 2 -Cu-BTC) of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and copper 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate acid (Cu-BTC), obtained by three up-sampling methods, namely hydrothermal, mechanical stirring, and in-situ growth, were doped into epoxy resin (TiO 2 -Cu-BTC/EP) to enhance its anticorrosion and antifouling properties. The loaded forms were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy and confirmed using Fourier infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The lethality of the composite coating against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) increased by 12% after 3 h of exposure to light, and the impedance value increased by 1 × 10 10 Ω. The efficiency of the coating was greatly improved.