Super-robust superamphiphobic surface with anti-icing property

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Superamphiphobic surfaces offer broad commercial potential but are limited by fragile micro/nanostructures.
• Existing superamphiphobic materials often lack durability for large-scale applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop free-standing monoliths with durable, permanent superamphiphobicity throughout their entire volume.
• To overcome the fragility limitations of conventional superamphiphobic surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of free-standing monoliths exhibiting superamphiphobicity.
• Testing of liquid repellency against organic solutions with low surface tension.
• Evaluation of self-cleaning capabilities with viscous liquids like blood and mud.
• Assessment of chemical and mechanical durability against corrosive solutions and abrasion.
• Investigation of anti-icing and de-icing properties.

Main Results:

• The monoliths demonstrate permanent superamphiphobicity, extending throughout the entire volume.
• Surfaces effectively repel organic solutions with surface tension as low as 36.4 mN m⁻¹.
• Excellent self-cleaning observed with viscous substances like blood and mud.
• Maintained superhydrophobicity under corrosive solution attack and mechanical abrasion.
• Exhibited delayed-icing and facile de-icing properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed free-standing monoliths offer a durable and permanent solution for superamphiphobic applications.
• These materials overcome the structural fragility limitations of traditional superamphiphobic surfaces.
• The demonstrated properties pave the way for advanced applications requiring robust liquid-repellent materials.