Superhydrophobic Surfaces based on TiO2 Nanostructures, Synthesis and Applications

Abstract

Multiple superhydrophobic surfaces are fabricated based on TiO2 nanostructures, which have a wide swathe of potential applications in industry, where hydrophobic surfaces are in great demand. Three different fabrication methods − electrochemical anodization, hydrothermal formation, and spray coating, are all used to generate different nanostructures in order to adapt to different surfaces and environments; each is also a simple and low cost method of synthesis. These fabricated surfaces are proven to be resistant to harsh conditions such as ultrasound vibration, water fouling, as well as abrasion, and experiments are performed to demonstrate these properties. Among them, the surface that is produced by hydrothermal synthesis is optically transparent, which is desirable in applications such as stain-free car windshields or superhydrophobic spectroscopy windows. Finally, an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device is also fabricated on the hydrophobic surface, as it aligns well with the construction of a typical EWOD device, using TiO2 instead of a dielectric polymer. Actuation of a liquid is observed on these devices, as seen in the change of contact angle.