Abstract
A versatile, fast, and nature-inspired polyphenol chemistry surface modification was applied to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces with micro-grooved structures in this study. Tannic acid and iron ion (TA–FeIII) complexes were employed as a molecular building block for anchoring biomimetic coating onto the wood substrate with catalytically reducing formative Ag ions as the rough surface to ensure well-developed micro/nanostructure hierarchical roughness. TA–FeIII complexes also acted as stable bridges between the substrate and hydrophobic groups. The thickness and architecture of TA–FeIII complex coatings can be tailored by coordination-driven multistep assembly. The results indicated that the micro/nano hierarchical roughness structure was well-developed with increased coating times and increased deposition of reduced Ag nanoparticles, resulting in excellent superhydrophobic properties (e.g., water CA (contact angle) of about 156° and a rolling angle of about 4°). The superhydrophobic material exhibited outstanding stability and durability in harsh conditions, including strong acid/base or organic solvent, high-temperature water boiling, ultrasonic cleaning, and ultraviolet aging. A series of superhydrophobic models are proposed to clarify the effect of the micro/nano hierarchical structure on these superhydrophobic properties.
Highlights
Inspired by the charming performance of natural organisms, the design and fabrication of advanced functional materials has attracted a great deal of research attention in recent years [1].The lotus leaf, which effectively self-cleans within its humid and muddy growing environment, is famous for its low-adhesive superhydrophobicity
The thickness and architecture of Tannic acid (TA)–FeIII complex coating can be tailored by coordination-driven multistep assembly, this allows the engineer to completely cover the original substrate surface and construct a new micro/nano hierarchical roughness surface
To ensure the complete coverage of the original substrate surface and obtain a well-developed surface morphology with suitable micro/nano hierarchical roughness, the wood samples were dipped into modification solutions several times and the TA–FeIII complex coatings were gradually thickened with the increased times of the assembly process
Summary
Inspired by the charming performance of natural organisms, the design and fabrication of advanced functional materials has attracted a great deal of research attention in recent years [1].The lotus leaf, which effectively self-cleans within its humid and muddy growing environment, is famous for its low-adhesive superhydrophobicity. Artificial superhydrophobic surfaces can be achieved by the combination of suitable hierarchical micro/nanostructures superimposed with low surface free energy compositions; these surfaces have notable potential in self-cleaning, anticorrosion, antifogging, anti-icing, drag reduction, and oil–water separation applications, among others [2,3]. The multistep assembly technique is a highly versatile way to assemble layered aggregates with tailored composition and architecture using very simple, inexpensive, and rapid procedures. It is well-suited to coating deposition on non-flat surfaces with large areas [12]. The most important part of multistep assembly is the effective and stable adhesion of substrate surfaces and assembly layers, as well as among the layers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
