Protocol for preparation of highly durable superhydrophobic bulks with hierarchical porous structures.

Superhydrophobic surfaces face challenges in comprehensive durability when used in extreme outdoor environments. Here, we present a protocol for preparing nanocomposite bulks with hierarchical structures using the template technique. We describe steps for using hybrid nanoparticles of polytetrafluoroethylene and multi-walled carbon nanotube to fill inside and dip on the polyurethane (PU) foam.

A highly robust, concrete-inspired superhydrophobic nanocomposite coating.

Durability is still the main issue hindering the practical applications of superhydrophobic surfaces. In the case of superhydrophobic coatings, employing nanoparticles for constructing and retaining superhydrophobic surfaces without lowering the robustness is still a conundrum. Herein, inspired by concrete, which has a high filler portion and high robustness, we fabricated a superhydrophobic coating using a synthesized hydrophobic organic/inorganic hybrid resin and categorized micro/nano fillers with varying sizes.

Highly Efficient and Controlled Fabrication of Supraparticles by Leidenfrost Phenomenon.

Supraparticles (SPs) are agglomerates of smaller particles, which show promising applications in catalysis, sensing, and so forth. Preparation of SPs with controlled sizes, components, and structures in an efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly way has become an urgent demand for the development of SPs. Herein, a method to fabricate SPs based on the Leidenfrost phenomenon is described.

A superhydrophobic coating harvesting mechanical robustness, passive anti-icing and active de-icing performances.

Hypothesis: Ice accretion is a challenging issue for various residential activities and industrial facilities. However, most of the current anti/de-icing coatings fail to maintain their properties when subject to frequent mechanical wear, and their limited functionality (either anti-icing or de-icing individually) cannot meet the requirement of all-weather utilization.

Experiments: Herein, a multifunctional superhydrophobic coating is prepared by compositing ferroferric oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) with fluorinated epoxy resin via an inverse infiltration process.

Molding processed multi-layered and multi-functional nanocomposites with high structural ability, electrical conductivity and durable superhydrophobicity.

Bioinspired superhydrophobic surfaces are mainly attributed to nano/micro textures and low surface energy materials, and have exciting potential for use in fields such as self-cleaning, water-proofing, anti-icing, anti-fouling, and so forth. However, the natural weakness of such delicate hierarchical surface structures pose great challenges to using artificial superhydrophobic surfaces under harsh mechanical conditions. Completely transforming multi-layered composite materials with good structural ability into superhydrophobic surfaces would greatly extend their durability under continuous mechanical abrasion.