Design and Creation of Superwetting/Antiwetting Surfaces

Abstract

Recent achievements in the construction of surfaces with special wettabilities, such as superhydrophobicity, superhydrophilicity, superoleophobicity, superoleophilicity, superamphiphilicity, superamphiphobicity, superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity, and reversible switching between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity, are presented. Particular attention is paid to superhydrophobic surfaces created via various methods and surfaces with reversible superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity that are driven by various kinds of external stimuli. The control of the surface micro‐/nanostructure and the chemical composition is critical for these special properties. These surfaces with controllable wettability are of great importance for both fundamental research and practical applications.

The superhydrophobicity of polymer surfaces: Recent developments

“…2). 83,84 This is particularly important when hydrocarbons are to be supported, as the highest achievable contact angle is not always very high. Recent research shows that polyhedral oligomeric sesquisiloxanes (POSS) when tagged with fluorocarbon chains are extremely low in surface energy.…”

Bio‐Inspired, Smart, Multiscale Interfacial Materials

“…[17,18] The self-cleaning effect of lotus leaves, [19] the anisotropic de-wetting behavior of rice leaves, [20] the superhydrophobic forces exerted by a water strider's leg, [21] the attachment mechanism of geckos, [22] and many other natural phenomena are all related to unique micro-and nanostructures on surfaces. [23][24][25][26][27][28] The creation of such complex functionalities in bioinspired materials depends on well-ordered multiscale structures. Here, we present a strategy for the design of bioinspired, smart, multiscale, interfacial (BSMI) materials based on this concept.…”

Electrical Conductance of Hydrophobic Membranes or What Happens below the Surface

“…16 Surface roughness and porosity amplify wetting phenomena -hydrophilic surfaces become superhydrophilic (or ultrahydrophilic) and hydrophobic surfaces become superhydrophobic (or ultrahydrophobic). 17 The contact angle, θ, on superhydrophobic surfaces can be very close to 180°. 18 Surface topography is a generally more important factor than porosity -brushes typically have a greater θ than porous membranes of the same material because of the topological advantage in realization of the contact line between water and the surface.…”