Hydrothermally structured superhydrophobic surface with superior anti-corrosion, anti-bacterial and anti-icing behaviors

Abstract

Corrosion and biofoulings are ubiquitous problems with detrimental impact for a variety of industries. Transforming intrinsically hydrophilicity of metallic surface to be non-wetting superhydrophobicity is highly desired for acquiring protective surfaces. In this paper, hydrothermal structured superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated on aluminum alloy substrates through ammonia etching followed with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES) modification. The surface morphologies, roughness, chemical compositions and the relationship between hydrothermal parameters and wettability transition were systematically investigated. Besides, the self-cleaning ability, corrosion resistance, NaCl deliquescence behavior, anti-bacterial and anti-icing properties were evaluated. The results demonstrated a remarkably improved charge transfer resistance ( R ct ), high anti-bacterial efficiency towards E. coli and S. aureus bacteria and significantly enhanced anti-icing performance. We believe the superior corrosion resisting, bacterial suppression and ice over delay performance of superhydrophobic metallic materials will exhibit promising applications in various industrial fields. • Superhydrophobic surface was achieved by hydrothermal etching and molecule grafting. • The wettability plays a key role in determining the properties of the surface. • The charge transfer resistance of superhydrophobic surface was greatly enhanced. • NaCl deliquescence behavior suggests potential atmospheric corrosion inhibition. • The superhydrophobic surface exhibit improved anti-bacterial and anti-icing properties.