Chapter 19 - Fabrication of nanostructures with excellent self-cleaning properties

Abstract

Self-cleaning surfaces have attracted significant attention in scientific and industrial communities for their peculiar fundamental aspect. In this chapter, the basic principles of self-cleaning materials are briefly discussed. Then, fabrication strategies of various self-cleaning materials are described in detail. The low surface energy materials (silicones, fluorocarbons, organic materials, and inorganic materials) required for superhydrophobic application are discussed extensively with various fabrication techniques such as wet chemical reaction, electrospinning technique, electrochemical deposition, hydrothermal reaction, lithography, layer-by-layer assembly, plasma treatment, and 3D printing technique. The applications of self-cleaning surface are discussed in terms of automobile parts, solar panel, electronic equipment, surgical equipment, textile materials, and architectural glasses.