Durable superamphiphobic coatings repelling both cool and hot liquids based on carbon nanotubes

Superamphiphobic coatings have wide potential applications in many fields, however, preparation of superamphiphobic coatings with low sliding angles and high durability is very challenging. Here, we report a facile spray-coating method for the preparation of durable superamphiphobic coatings repelling both cool and hot liquids from polyperfluoroalkylsilane-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs@fluoroPOS). The MWCNTs@fluoroPOS suspensions were preparation by hydrolytic condensation of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (PFDTES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) on the surface of MWCNTs. The suspensions and the superamphiphobic coatings were characterized using a variety of analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmitting electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of the diameter of MWCNTs, and the concentrations of MWCNTs, TEOS and PFDTES on wettability and microstructure of the coatings were also investigated. The coatings show high contact angles and low sliding angles for water and organic liquids of low surface tension such as n-hexadecane, toluene and n-decane. The coatings even exhibit excellent superamphiphobicity for hot water and hot organic liquids up to 80°C, which is seldom achieved according to the previous literatures. Moreover, the coatings feature high mechanical, chemical and environmental durability, and are applicable onto various substrates. The simple method, the high superamphiphobicity to both cool and hot liquids, and the excellent durability of the coatings have paved the way for their practical applications in various fields, e.g., anti-icing, anti-oil climbing and oil transportation, etc.