Superhydrophobic Graphene-Like Nanocarbon Film Formation on Arbitrary Surfaces through MgO Nanoparticle Catalysis: Advanced Coatings for Energy Storage and Nanocomposites

Abstract

Simple, fast, and economical graphene synthesis methods are of interest because of its diverse uses in energy storage, composite coatings, water purification, and other applications. This work illustrates a rapid method to produce graphene-like nanocarbon films at room temperature and ambient pressure. We show that, within a dielectric barrier discharge plasma, magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles can convert the liquid small-molecule precursors 1,2-dichloro-4-X-benzene (where X is I, Br, Cl, and F) to graphene-like nanocarbon films. The nanoparticle MgO that catalyzes the reaction is sustainably produced from seawater and enables a dehydrohalogenation reaction that leads to production of the graphene-like product. We investigate the morphology and chemistry of the films and show how these contribute to physical properties like wettability, including the formation of superhydrophobic fluorinated films with water contact angles above 150°. The use of dispersed, nanoscale MgO catalysts allows us to fabricate these coatings on a range of substrates, creating the potential for their use in applications such as advanced coatings, energy storage, and composites.

Plasma-enabled superhydrophobic coatings on mild steel

“…As in our previous research 4,47,48,54 , plasma treatments were performed using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) apparatus at room temperature (see Fig. A.1).…”

“…In the present work, we investigate the effect of adding graphene nanoplatelets (GrNp, 99 wt%, < 4 layers, 1-2 μm lateral dimensions, Cheap Tubes, USA) to the TCB. 8 μL of TCB or 8 μL of the TCB + GrNp suspension was then deposited on each stationary 10 mm × 10 mm mild steel substrate (see Table A Following the process from our previous research 4,47,48,54 , each sample was treated with plasma immediately after precursor deposition. For each sample, we used the same peak-peak generator output voltage of ~ 30 kV, as measured by a Rigol DS6104 digital oscilloscope (see Fig.…”

“…Profilometry was performed using a Zeta 300 optical profiler, over both a 3140 µm × 2471 µm region, and a 157 µm × 124 µm region. Energydispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS, TESCAN MIRA3) imaging was used to investigate the film chemistry, and was performed at a 10 kV acceleration voltage, with a scan time of 500 s. Following the same process of our previous analysis of similar films 4,48,54 , time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was used to investigate the film chemistry. ToF-SIMS data were acquired using an IONTOF M6 instrument (ToF-SIMS, IONTOF GmbH) equipped with a reflectron time-of-flight analyser and Bi/Mn primary-ion source.…”

“…Potentiodynamic polarisation tests revealed that the superhydrophobic coating provided little or no corrosion protection. Superhydrophobic surfaces are low surface energy materials comprising hierarchical motifs of micro-and nanostructures [1][2][3][4] . Current fabrication methods for superhydrophobic surfaces include lithography 5-8 , etching 9-12 , self-assembly [13][14][15] , particle deposition 16 , vapour deposition 16,17 , sol-gel techniques [18][19][20] , and casting 21 .…”

Photothermal Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabric Based on Silver Nanoparticles Cross-Linked by Polydopamine and Polyethylenimide

“…As a kind of renewable and clean energy, solar energy can greatly alleviate the energy crisis. Photothermal conversion materials can convert solar energy into renewable energy, which can be widely used in many fields such as energy storage, − photothermal deicing, − photothermal antibacterial, − seawater desalination, − and photocatalysis , to meet different needs. However, photothermal materials are easily polluted in outdoor environment, so it is imperative to develop self-cleaning photothermal materials. , Superhydrophobic materials are a kind of material with ultrahigh water contact angle (WCA), − which can effectively improve the cleanliness of the surface, so as to achieve good cleaning effect. , In addition, superhydrophobic photothermal materials have a bright prospect in a wide range of applications. − …”