Improved Antifouling and Anticorrosion Performance of CeO₂ Nanocoating Prepared by Mussel-Inspired Chemistry

Biofouling, the accumulation of organisms on submerged surfaces, significantly impairs vessel performance and hinders maritime industry development. The development of effective coatings has become an efficient solution to this problem. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) were synthesized on dopamine-modified 5083 aluminum alloy (Al) surfaces by mussel-inspired chemistry. The CeO₂NPs can be fully exposed to the coating surface using this method, and CeO₂ nanocoating exhibited haloperoxidase-like activity. CeO₂ nanocoatings have an excellent ability to inhibit the attachment of <i>P. tricornutum</i>, <i>E. coli</i>, and <i>Bacillus</i><i>sp.,</i> and their numbers were reduced by 96.03%, 94.41%, and 88.44%, respectively. The outstanding antiadhesion capability of the coating was attributed to its potent antibacterial properties and quorum quenching effect. Furthermore, the CeO₂ nanocoating demonstrated outstanding corrosion resistance, with an impedance modulus 46.9 times higher than that of the Al sample. This approach presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly surface modification model for enhancing the performance of antifouling and anticorrosion in aluminum materials.