Outstanding superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance on carbon-based film surfaces coupled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and nickel nano-particles

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of poor stability and repeatability of superhydrophobic films to improve its application in industrial production. In this study, nickel nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were doped into DLC films for the first time, and a robust superhydrophobic and corrosion resistance nanocomposite MWCNTs-Ni/a-C:H film was prepared via one-step electrochemical deposition under atmospheric pressure and low temperature. The as-prepared film surface had a static water contact angle measured as 158.89° and a sliding angle about 1.99°, which is attributed to the micro-nanoscale hierarchical structure of the film surface. More importantly, the superhydrophobic nanocomposite MWCNTs-Ni/a-C:H film not only shows good mechanical property, but also has outstanding corrosion resistance and excellent self-cleaning ability. This research highlights a promising route for the preparation of robust superhydrophobic film, providing potential uses including self-cleaning, antifouling and anti-corrosion applications such as ship hulls and aeroplane wings.