Non-fluorinated superhydrophobic and micro/nano hierarchical Al doped ZnO film: the effect of Al doping on morphological and hydrophobic properties

Abstract

This work reports on the systematic comparison of the crystalline structural, morphological and hydrophobic properties of ZnO and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films fabricated by atomic layer deposition and the hydrothermal method. It was revealed that the surface wettability can be largely modified by Al doping in the zinc oxide film growth process. With Al doping, the morphology of the AZO films became more complex and rough. The water contact angle of a flower-like hierarchical ZnO film (123 AE 4 ) was improved by about 40 via Al doping to 160 AE 4 . We attributed the variation in surface hydrophobicity with Al doping to changes in the bond angle and distance between ZnO-H 2 O molecule. The computational simulations have been employed to verify the interfacial distinction between two main crystal orientations of AZO. This result suggests that Al doping can be considered a critical factor in changing the surface morphology of AZO as well as the hydrophobic properties. It is believed that the present route holds promise in the design and application of practical superhydrophobic materials.

Nanoscale Au-ZnO Heterostructure Developed by Atomic Layer Deposition Towards Amperometric H2O2 Detection

“…In addition, peak at 530.0 eV is a reflection of the adsorption of O 2 , H 2 O, and CO 2 oxygen-containing molecules on the Au-ZnO heterostructure surface [66]. It should be stressed that the binding energies of the observed 3 sub-peaks are coherent with the previously published Gaussian peaks at~530.2, 531.1, and 532 eV, respectively [65].…”

“…Another peak at 532.1 eV is ascribed to both O − and O 2− ions in the oxygen-deficient regions of the ZnO matrix. Remarkably, the intensity of these peaks partially associated with the changes in the oxygen vacancy concentration [65]. In addition, peak at 530.0 eV is a reflection of the adsorption of O 2 , H 2 O, and CO 2 oxygen-containing molecules on the Au-ZnO heterostructure surface [66].…”

One-step electrodeposition of a self-cleaning and corrosion resistant Ni/WS2superhydrophobic surface

“…Currently, most of these coatings are prepared from low surface energy organic materials. 2,9,10 However, these organic materials have limitations in engineering applications due to their inherent instability. Inorganic materials are therefore important for robust superhydrophobic coatings.…”

Approaches for Evaluating and Engineering Resilient Superhydrophobic Materials

“…Chemical additions are therefore associated with a change in the chemical structure of one or more original components (e.g. the doping of semi-conductor structure) [90].…”