Fabrication of a superamphiphobic coating by a simple and flexible method

Abstract

A facile and flexible method to prepare raspberry-like nanoparticles that can be used as a superamphiphobic coating is reported. Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were chosen as the core because of their irregular morphology and photocatalytic performance. Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were surrounded tightly by tiny functional fluoride–silica nanoparticles via the hydrolysis-condensation reaction of tetraethoxysilane and 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyl triethoxysilane. The obtained Si–F@TiO2 nanoparticles can be sprayed or dipped directly onto various substrates. The coated film exhibited quite good liquid resistance, even when subjected to water jetting and sand abrasion. The photocatalytic effect of the coated anatase TiO2 with respect to formaldehyde was also studied and discussed. This method will provide more opportunities and fast access to practical applications in surface, environmental, and energy engineering.