Fabrication of robust superhydrophobic magnetic multifunctional coatings and liquid marbles

To obtain durable and multi-function superhydrophobic surfaces, we reported a facial method to prepare a multifunctional suspension (γ-Fe₂O₃@SiO₂@PDMS suspension) named as FSP suspension, in which γ-Fe₂O₃ was coated by the silica shell and PDMS was used as the outer layer. Superhydrophobic magnetic polyurethane (SMPU) sponge was prepared by immersing the polyurethane (PU) sponge into the FSP suspension, exhibiting the superior ability to absorb oil. In addition, it could also move directionally by the attraction of magnets and absorb the oil along the fixed path. The heated superhydrophobic magnetic stainless steel (H-SMSS) mesh was acquired by spraying FSP suspension onto the stainless steel mesh and then heating at 400 °C, which demonstrated superior superhydrophobicity and resistance to abrasion and chemical corrosion. Besides, the H-SMSS mesh displayed excellent flux and efficiency to separate the oil/water mixture. Rolling droplets on FSP particles, the superhydrophobic magnetic liquid marbles (SMLMs) were fabricated, in which liquids with different volumes were encapsulated and transported directionally. Further, it was convenient to inject liquid into the SMLM and withdraw liquid from it. Thus, the prepared FSP suspension has promising applications in constructing large-area, robust, and multifunctional surfaces and microreactors.