Near infrared light responsive surface with self-healing superhydrophobicity in surface chemistry and microstructure

Abstract

Self-healing superhydrophobic surfaces have attracted considerable attention for enhancing the durability of superhydrophobic coatings, which have applications in various fields. However, it is difficult to find safe and effective strategies for self-healing superhydrophobic coatings to recover both microstructure and surface chemistry simultaneously. Herein, we demonstrate a high-efficiency self-healing hydrophobic surface with remote control ability. Through near infrared light (NIR) irradiation, the collapsed surface microstructure and altered surface chemistry can be recovered easily and simultaneously in a very short period. The extraordinary performance is fully discussed and can be attributed to the excellent photothermal properties of candle soot (CS). In addition, the surface demonstrates repeatable self-healing ability thanks to the good shape memory of the epoxy-based shape memory polymer (SMP) and the continued release of fluorinated alkyl silane encapsulated in microcapsules. The presented surface shows great potential and broad impacts owing to its simplicity and efficiency.