Recent Progress on Fluorine-Free Smooth and Textured Surfaces Exhibiting (Super)omniphobicity and Their Future...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Superomniphobic surfaces repel diverse liquids, including polar, nonpolar, emulsions, and biological fluids.
• Traditional methods utilize roughened surfaces modified with long-chain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) to achieve high apparent/static contact angles (θS).
• Environmental and health concerns necessitate PFC-free alternatives for superomniphobic surface development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in fabricating superomniphobic surfaces without long-chain PFCs.
• To explore both textured and smooth omniphobic surface designs.
• To discuss materials, fabrication methods, performance, and future directions.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on textured (re-entrant) and smooth (liquid-like) superomniphobic surfaces.
• Analysis of fabrication techniques using ubiquitous elements.
• Evaluation of static and dynamic dewetting performance and additional functionalities.

Main Results:

• Development of PFC-free superomniphobic surfaces using textured (e.g., re-entrant structures) and smooth designs.
• Demonstration of high apparent/static contact angles (θS > 150° for textured, < 150° for smooth).
• Highlighting of surfaces fabricated with common elements, offering excellent liquid repellency.

Conclusions:

• PFC-free superomniphobic surfaces are achievable through innovative design and fabrication.
• These surfaces offer promising alternatives for applications requiring multi-liquid repellency.
• Further research and industrial development are needed to overcome current challenges and realize full potential.