Laser-based fabrication of superhydrophobic carbide surfaces from waste plastics

Abstract

We report a procedure for fabricating superhydrophobic carbides with femtosecond laser-assisted carburization of metals, semiconductors, and oxides from waste plastics. To form a concentrated plastic dispersion, plastic is laser-ablated in toluene. Hydrogenated carbides are synthesized by applying the dispersion drop by drop onto the target surface, and then employing femtosecond laser scanning. Hydrogenated carbides of tungsten, silicon, and zirconium were syntehszied, and they depicted exceptional hydrophobic properties. Hierarchical structuring further promoted the hydrophobicity of these hydrogenated carbides. A water contact angle ∼ 168○ and roll-off angle ∼ 6○ were observed. Further, the samples retained hydrophobicity after 30 days of exposure to ambient air and 100 ○C thermal treatment. Our study holds equal significance from both environmental and technological perspectives, as it not only eliminates the use of fluorinated compounds but also contributes to environmental remediation by converting waste plastics into valuable superhydrophobic carbides.