Superomniphobic, transparent, and antireflection surfaces based on hierarchical nanostructures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces are crucial for various technological applications.
• Existing methods often struggle to achieve both high repellency and excellent optical properties.
• Hierarchical nanostructures offer a promising route to engineer advanced surface functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel optical surface with superomniphobic properties (repelling both water and oil).
• To achieve high optical transparency and low reflectivity simultaneously with superomniphobicity.
• To explore the potential of hierarchical nanostructures for advanced surface engineering.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a two-tier hierarchical nanostructure comprising primary nanopillars and secondary nanoparticles.
• Utilizing lithography-free metal dewetting and reactive ion etching for nanopillar integration.
• Employing NanoSpray combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) for depositing secondary nanoparticle structures.

Main Results:

• Achieved static contact angles >170° for water and >160° for oil.
• Demonstrated low sliding angles (<4°) for both liquids, indicating high repellency.
• Obtained significantly reduced reflection (<0.5%) and increased transmission (93.8% average).
• Reported very low scattering values (approx. 1% haze).

Conclusions:

• The developed nanotextured surface exhibits unprecedented optical performance combined with superomniphobicity.
• This technology holds significant promise for applications like self-cleaning solar panels, anti-icing windows, and low-drag surfaces.
• The fabrication method offers a scalable approach to producing advanced functional optical surfaces.