A facile and high-efficient method to fabricate slippery liquid-infused porous surface with enhanced functionality

Abstract

Inspired by Nepenthes pitcher, slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) has been extensively investigated owing to its potential applications required for water repellence. However, the existing preparation methods for SLIPS involve complicated processing technologies and toxic chemical reagents, which seriously restricts practical applications. Herein, we prepared the SLIPS on Al substrates by nanosecond pulsed laser ablation, low surface energy modification, and infusion of lubricant. The optimal laser parameters for the preparation of the SLIPS were explored. The as-prepared SLIPS showed good slippery performance with a sliding angle smaller than 5° for various liquids. A series of performance tests, including knife scratching, repeated tape peeling off, sandpaper abrasion, heating, hot water jet impacting, and long-term water immersion, were conducted to investigate the mechanical strength and durability of the prepared SLIPS, and the SLIPS showed high mechanical strength and good durability. Moreover, the fabricated SLIPS could also resist corrosion solution, avoid contamination, protect the substrates against freezing rain and have superior water collection efficiency in moist environments. Thanks to the excellent performances, the prepared SLIPS has promising potential for practical applications.