Concertation of Anti-Reflective, Superhydrophobic Surface Based on Rational Assembly of Dual-Size Silica

Lu Xu ¹, Lei Niu ², Shuqun Chen ²

⁰China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, Jingdezhen 333001, China.

Materials (basel, Switzerland) +

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December 31, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a new silica coating that is both super-hydrophobic and highly transparent. This durable coating enhances optical performance and offers self-cleaning properties for various applications.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Surface Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background

Silica-based coatings are crucial for optical devices, lenses, and solar panels.
Achieving super-hydrophobicity while maintaining high transparency and low haze is challenging.
Existing methods often require high temperatures or lack durability.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a facile, low-temperature method for creating multifunctional silica coatings.
To integrate super-hydrophobicity with high optical transparency and low haze.
To evaluate the coating's anti-reflection, self-cleaning, and durability properties.

Main Methods

Controlled particle gradation and fluorine passivation to create a multi-scale surface structure.
Fabrication of micro-scale uniformity and nano-scale asperity.
Characterization of optical properties (transmittance, haze), surface wettability (contact and sliding angles), and durability.

Main Results

Achieved 95.24% optical transmittance with 0.97% haze.
Demonstrated super-hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 153° and sliding angle of 3°.
Exhibited ~5.0% anti-reflection improvement, self-cleaning, and excellent robustness under extreme conditions.

Conclusions

The developed coating strategy successfully integrates super-hydrophobicity with high transparency and low haze.
The multifunctional coating shows significant potential for advanced optical applications.
The coating's durability ensures reliable performance in diverse and demanding environments.

Keywords:

anti-reflective superhydrophobic surfaces dual-size assembly particle gradation robustness