An Efficient Substrate-Free Method of Producing SiO₂-Based Nanoparticles for Superhydrophobic Applications

We report on the preparation of SiO₂-based nanoparticles readily available for superhydrophobic applications. In contrast to usual approaches, our process is substrate-free and based on electrostatic adsorption of small SiO₂ particles onto large SiO₂ cores with the aid of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) followed by calcination and chemical modification with trichlorododecylsilane. The as-prepared nanoparticles are in powder form and exhibit stable superhydrophobic behavior at room temperature because of the unique combination between the hierarchical raspberry-like structure and low surface energy. If properly stored, the nanoparticles retain their functional properties for several months.