Large-scale fabrication of decoupling coatings with promising robustness and superhydrophobicity for antifouling, drag reduction, and organic photodegradation

Abstract

It is still a challenge to achieve large-area preparation of robust superhydrophobic surfaces with strong mechanical stability. Here, a simple and low-cost method to prepare robust decoupling superhydrophobic coatings on aluminum (Al) alloys substrate has been presented. The superhydrophobicity and robustness of decoupling coatings are realized by structuring surfaces at two different length scales, with nanostructures for superhydrophobicity and microstructures for robustness. This prepared decoupling coating shows promising superhydrophobicity, with water contact angle (CA) of ∼158.4° and roll off angle (RA) of ∼3°.