Low-cost,
high-quality, and large-area superhydrophobic surfaces
are in high demand. This study demonstrates laser-engineered polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) as a platform for versatile and highly efficient water manipulation.
The fabrication process consists of two steps: patterning PDMS with
arrayed microlenses and laser pulse scanning. The obtained PDMS is
superhydrophobic and exhibits excellent chemical resistance, UV stability,
pressure robustness, and substantial mechanical durability. Notably,
there is no significant change in the water contact angles after storage
in air for 14 months. Microstructural analysis revealed that the sample
contained stable nanostructured inorganics such as crystalline silicon,
silicon carbide, and sp3-like carbon. The superhydrophobic
surface was demonstrated to have versatile and wide applications in
oil/water separation and water collection.