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Published on: November 14, 2025
541
Switchable Surface Wettability by Using Boronic Ester Chemistry.
Sabri Taleb1, Elisabeth Noyer1, Guilhem Godeau1
1Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, LPMC, UMR 7336, 06100, Nice, France), Fax.
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using boronic esters for reversible surface modification. This technique allows surfaces to switch between hydrophilic and hydrophobic states, enabling adaptable material properties for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Surface properties are crucial for many technological applications.
- Controlling surface wettability (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity) is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for reversible surface post-functionalization using boronic esters.
- To demonstrate the ability to switch surface properties between hydrophilic and hydrophobic states.
Main Methods:
- Utilized boronic ester chemistry for surface modification.
- Leveraged the affinity between boronic acids and glycol groups.
- Demonstrated reversible switching of surface properties.
Main Results:
- Successfully achieved reversible surface post-functionalization.
- Showcased the ability to tune surface hydrophobicity by introducing various boronic acids.
- Confirmed the regeneration of the initial glycol surface after functionalization reversal.
Conclusions:
- Boronic esters provide an efficient and reversible route for surface functionalization.
- This strategy enables the creation of switchable surfaces with tunable hydrophobic properties.
- Potential applications include biosensors, liquid transport, and separation membranes.
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