One pot synthesis of opposing 'rose petal' and 'lotus leaf' superhydrophobic materials with zinc oxide nanorods.

The synthesis in one pot(1) of opposing 'rose petal' and 'lotus leaf' superhydrophobic materials from commercially available superhydrophilic cloth substrates of varying texture is described for the first time. Surfaces of 'rough' textured cloth and 'smooth' textured cloth were simultaneously rendered superhydrophobic by growing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods by a hydrothermal process in the same chemical bath. Contact angle hysteresis and water pendant drop tests revealed strong water adhesion to ZnO microrod-treated rough cloth.