Unique sliding properties of bucky paper and a simple method to control the sliding angle

Abstract

In this study, an easy and widely applicable method to control the sliding angle of bucky paper (BP), which is a paper-like membrane consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), while maintaining the hydrophobic properties was developed. We prepared BPs using various types of CNTs, and the contact angle insignificantly differs regardless of the type of CNT, but the sliding angle shows a notable difference. The sliding angle of the BP (2°–3°) indicates an excellent water sliding ability for short CNTs, whereas the water droplet on the BP with long CNTs did not slip-down, not even at 90°. By utilizing this feature for hybrid long and short CNTs, the sliding angle can be controlled from 2° to 90° using the CNT ratio.