Multifunctional Superamphiphobic TiO₂ Nanostructure Surfaces with Facile Wettability and Adhesion Engineering

Abstract

Compared to conventional top-down photo-cleavage method, a facile bottom-up ink-combination method to in situ and rapidly achieve water wettability and adhesion transition, with a great contrast on the superamphiphobic TiO2 nanostructured film, is described. Moreover, such combination method is suitable for various kinds of superamphiphobic substrate. Oil-based ink covering or removing changes not only the topographical morphology but also surface chemical composition, and these resultant topographical morphology and composition engineering realize the site-selectively switchable wettability varying from superamphiphobicity to amphiphilicity, and water adhesion between sliding superamphiphobicity and sticky superamphiphobicity in micro-scale. Additionally, positive and negative micro-pattern can be achieved by taking advantage of the inherent photocatalytic property of TiO2 with the assistance of anti-UV light ink mask. Finally, the potential applications of the site-selectively sticky superamphiphobic surface were demonstrated. In a proof-of-concept study, the microdroplet manipulation (storage, moving, mixing, and transfer), specific gas sensing, wettability template for positive and negative ZnO patterning, and site-selective cell immobilization have been demonstrated. This study will give an important input to the field of advanced functional material surfaces with special wettability.

Recent Progress in Fabrication and Applications of Superhydrophobic Coating on Cellulose-Based Substrates

“…Surface wettability/adhesion micro-patterning on superhydrophobic surfaces created by, for example, UV light or laser [216,217,218] high energy ink/yarn [219,220,221,222,223] or low energy wax [212] offers possibilities in guiding the manipulation and transportation of liquid droplets and micro-flows, or in introducing the site-selective deposition of functional materials on the hydrophilic regions of the surface [224,225,226]. Breedveld et al [220] fabricated two-dimensional paper-based lab-on-a-chip microfluidic devices by printing high surface energy black ink patterns on superhydrophobic paper substrate.…”

TiO₂ nanotube platforms for smart drug delivery: a review

“…30,31 Some researchers have explored the optimization in anodization parameters to achieve a high degree of self-ordering in the grown TNTs. [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41] TNT arrays with controllable nanotube diameters and hexagonal arrangement fabricated by electrochemical anodization based on Ti surface with highly ordered nanotube structures are schematically shown in Figure 1. 34,42,43 TNT fabrication is a unique electrochemical process termed self-assembling anodization, 44 which is based on inexpensive materials and equipment.…”

Staudinger Vilarassa reaction: A powerful tool for surface modification and superhydrophobic properties

“…Recently new development in rapid engineering for wettability or adhesion show good results [3][4][5][6][7][8]. But the fabrication of hydrophobic surfaces remains a challenge, these materials often need both low surface energy materials and surface structures.…”