Recent advances in chemical durability and mechanical stability of superhydrophobic materials: Multi-strategy design and strengthening

Abstract

• Recent advances of robust superhydrophobic materials is reviewed. • Multi-strategy design and strengthening of superhydrophobic materials is discussed. • Multifunctionality of robust superhydrophobic materials is shown. • Challenges and future solutions for robust superhydrophobic materials are proposed. Inspired by the lotus leaf effect, non-wetting artificial superhydrophobic surfaces demonstrate an enormous potential in numerous fields. However, limited by poor stability and durability, superhydrophobic surfaces are rarely available for practical applications. In this review, based on the wettability mechanisms and failure modes of superhydrophobic surfaces, it is proposed that the construction of highly stable superhydrophobic materials can be approached from four aspects, including structural design, chemical bonding, interfacial-strengthening of hydrophobic materials and substrates, and self-healing. We introduced in detail the design ideas, strengthening approaches, and characterization tools of highly stable superhydrophobic materials from the perspective of multi-strategy design and strengthening, and provided corresponding insights. Eventually, the development, current status, and prospects of highly stable and multifunctional superhydrophobic materials were also presented in detail. Recent advances and development prospects of durable superhydrophobic materials were summarized and discussed in this review, providing certain insights and design guidelines for the fabrication of stable superhydrophobic materials.