Bio-inspired and metal-derived superwetting surfaces: Function, stability and applications

Due to their exceptional anti-icing, anti-corrosion, and anti-drag qualities, biomimetic metal-derived superwetting surfaces, which are widely employed in the aerospace, automotive, electronic, and biomedical industries, have raised significant concern. However, further applications in other domains have been hampered by the poor mechanical and chemical durability of superwetting metallic surfaces, which can result in metal fatigue and corrosion. The potential for anti-corrosion, anti-contamination, anti-icing, oil/water separation, and oil transportation on surfaces with superwettability has increased in recent years due to the advancement of research in biomimetic superwetting interface theory and practice. Recent developments in functionalized biomimetic metal-derived superwetting surfaces were summarized in this paper. Firstly, a detailed presentation of biomimetic metal-derived superwetting surfaces with unique capabilities was made. The problems with the long-term mechanical and chemical stability of biomimetic metal-derived superwetting surfaces were then examined, along with potential solutions. Finally, in an effort to generate fresh concepts for the study of biomimetic metal-derived superwetting surfaces, the applications of superwetting metallic surfaces in various domains were discussed in depth. The future direction of biomimetic metal-derived superwetting surfaces was also addressed.

Fabrication of Cu–CuO–Fe2O3/Fe anti-sticky and superhydrophobic surfaces on an iron substrate with mechanical abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance

Superhydrophobic Cu–CuO–Fe₂O₃/Fe surfaces with excellent mechanical abrasion resistance and anti-corrosion property were fabricated via immersion and annealing.

Robust dendritic Ag–Fe2O3/Fe surfaces with exquisite catalytic properties

Illustration of the morphology and applications of Ag–Fe₂O₃/Fe surfaces.

Synergistic Effect of Superhydrophobicity and Oxidized Layers on Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum Alloy Surface Textured by Nanosecond Laser Treatment

We report a new efficient method for fabricating a superhydrophobic oxidized surface of aluminum alloys with enhanced resistance to pitting corrosion in sodium chloride solutions. The developed coatings are considered very prospective materials for the automotive industry, shipbuilding, aviation, construction, and medicine. The method is based on nanosecond laser treatment of the surface followed by chemisorption of a hydrophobic agent to achieve the superhydrophobic state of the alloy surface. We have shown that the surface texturing used to fabricate multimodal roughness of the surface may be simultaneously used for modifying the physicochemical properties of the thick surface layer of the substrate itself. Electrochemical and wetting experiments demonstrated that the superhydrophobic state of the metal surface inhibits corrosion processes in chloride solutions for a few days. However, during long-term contact of a superhydrophobic coating with a solution, the wetted area of the coating is subjected to corrosion processes due to the formation of defects. In contrast, the combination of an oxide layer with good barrier properties and the superhydrophobic state of the coating provides remarkable corrosion resistance. The mechanisms for enhancing corrosion protective properties are discussed.

Preparation of superhydrophobic films based on the diblock copolymer P(TFEMA-r-Sty)-b-PCEMA

The diblock copolymer P(TFEMA-r-Sty)-b-PCEMA was synthesized and self-assembled to form spherical micelles. Photo-cross-linking the PCEMA domains of these micelles yielded cross-linked nanoparticles. The cross-linked nanoparticles were used to prepare superhydrophobic films.

Facile fabrication of a superhydrophobic titanium surface with mechanical durability by chemical etching

Developing facile superhydrophobic metal surfaces with good mechanical durability.

Ultrafast synthesis of continuous Au thin films from chloroauric acid solution using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet

Continuous Au thin films can be made from chloroauric acid solution using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet.

Controllable wettability of micro- and nano-dendritic structures formed on aluminum substrates

A stable superhydrophobic surface with excellent anti-corrosion, anti-icing and deicing properties has been fabricated via annealing treatment from a superhydrophilic surface.