Here, we report a straightforward and rapid process using fatty acids to produce a stable superhydrophobic hybrid composite coating on aluminium substrate which is highly resistant to wear under environmental conditions. Furthermore, this novel superhydrophobic metal surface is highly efficient at separating of water/oil systems. The single-step process we adopt involves electrochemical deposition of ZnCl2, α-Al2O3 and lauric acid (C11H23COOH) onto commercial pure aluminium substrate. The resultant static contact angle (170°) and sliding angle (1°) are those of a superhydrophobic coating with self-cleaning properties; while chemical analysis shows that this is the result of generation of zinc laurate (Zn(C11H20COO)2) as a major compound that increases the superhydrophobic character of the coating, generating a flower-like structure 70 nm thick. Different wear tests show the coating is resistant to severe conditions, confirming its real potential against weathering, including sand and 2 water erosion. Finally, a water/oil separation test determined 99% separation efficiency in hexane and ether petroleum systems, in a laboratory-made storage tank.
Water scarcity is a worldwide issue that significantly affects the environment, population, and economy of the arid zones. In this study, we report a straightforward method for water-harvesting based on modifications of the surface wettability. Using magnesium chloride, lauric acid, and electrodeposition process, a superhydrophobic surface (155°) is obtained. Morphological characterization techniques allow determination of the characteristic flower-like microstructures combined with close packed nanoarrays that lead to the hierarchical structure. Furthermore, the coating presents vertically aligned microarrays in a non-linear cone morphology formed by dynamic templating of hydrogen bubbles. From a chemical point of view, magnesium laurate is responsible for the surface tension decrease. To determine the durability of the obtained surface ultra-violet (UV) light test and abrasive paper test, tests are carried out revealing high durability against these severe conditions. The water-harvesting ability of the superhydrophobic surface is studied at 45° and 90° tilted samples. The capacity of the water to be harvested efficiently is found to be at 90° tilt under fog conditions. The use of green reactants associated with this hierarchical structure broadens a new scope for sustainable freshwater collection and it becomes an excellent example of a green solution.
The pollution caused by microplastics around the world is an increasingly significant issue that has to be tackled with different methods and technologies. Here, we report a straightforward and rapid process combining electrodeposition and electrophoresis to produce a durable superhydrophobic coating on an aluminum substrate (UNS A91070) that has a static contact angle (153°), sliding angle (1°), and contact angle hysteresis (1°). Field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of a hierarchical structure with nanolayers that were 70 nm thick. The chemical composition was also analyzed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which revealed that the hierarchical structure was composed of zinc laurate (Zn(C11H20COO)2) that decreased the surface free energy of the system. Moreover, the coating showed high durability against abrasion caused by the P1200 SiC paper due to the presence of TiO2 particles in the upper layers as well as the homogeneous chemical composition of the hierarchical structure. Finally, taking advantage of the superoleophilic properties of superhydrophobic surfaces, the ability of the coating to remove high-density polyethylene microplastics from water was studied.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.