Droplet Contact Angle Measurements Research Articles

Simple Fabrication of Hydrophobicity-Controlled Fe-ZSM-5 for Aqueous-Phase Partial Oxidation of Methane with Hydrogen Peroxide

Surface hydrophobicity is an important factor in controlling the catalytic activity of heterogeneous catalysts in various reactions, particularly liquid-phase reactions using water as the (co)solvent. In this study, the surface hydrophobicity of Fe-ZSM-5 was successfully controlled using a simple coating method in which furfuryl alcohol was used as the carbon precursor. Various techniques, such as N2 physisorption, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, and contact angle measurements of water droplets, were used to characterize the catalysts. Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts with different degrees of hydrophobicity were used for the aqueous-phase selective oxidation of methane with H2O2. The positive effect of the surface carbon coating on the catalytic performance was confirmed when the carbon content was not sufficiently high to block the pores.

Preparation of Hydrophobic Au Catalyst and Application in One-Step Oxidative Esterification of Methacrolein to Methyl Methacrylate.

The water produced during the oxidative esterification reaction occupies the active sites and reduces the activity of the catalyst. In order to reduce the influence of water on the reaction system, a hydrophobic catalyst was prepared for the one-step oxidative esterification of methylacrolein (MAL) and methanol. The catalyst was synthesized by loading the active component Au onto ZnO using the deposition-precipitation method, followed by constructing the silicon shell on Au/ZnO using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to introduce hydrophobic groups. Trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) was used as a hydrophobic modification reagent to prepare hydrophobic catalysts, which exhibited a water droplet contact angle of 111.2°. At a temperature of 80 °C, the hydrophobic catalyst achieved a high MMA selectivity of over 95%. The samples were characterized using XRD, N2 adsorption, ICP, SEM, TEM, UV-vis, FT-IR, XPS, and water droplet contact angle measurements. Kinetic analysis revealed an activation energy of 22.44 kJ/mol for the hydrophobic catalyst.

Liquid lithium wettability studies on novel zirconium-alloyed porous tungsten

Liquid lithium wettability has been investigated on novel zirconium-alloyed porous tungsten fabricated by the place-holder spark plasma sintering technique. This paper investigates the wetting properties of liquid lithium on the substrates by in vacuo contact angle measurements of lithium droplets at Penn State’s IGNIS-2 facility. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy analysis was performed on the samples to investigate the role of the surface chemistry in the contact angle behavior of lithium on the substrates. It was seen that hydrated and hydroxylated states of the surface play a key role in affecting the lithium affinity of the surface.

Hydrophilic Surface Modification of Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon Nanocomposite Films via Atmospheric Oxygen Plasma Treatment

Herein we investigated hydrophilic surface modification of SiOx containing amorphous hydrogenated carbon nanocomposite films (DLC:SiOx) via the use of atmospheric oxygen plasma treatment. The modified films exhibited effective hydrophilic properties with complete surface wetting. More detailed water droplet contact angle (CA) measurements revealed that oxygen plasma treated DLC:SiOx films maintained good wetting properties with CA of up to 28 ± 1° after 20 days of aging in ambient air at room temperature. This treatment process also increased surface root mean square roughness from 0.27 nm to 1.26 nm. Analysis of the surface chemical states suggested that the hydrophilic behavior of DLC:SiOx treated with oxygen plasma is attributed to surface enrichment with C-O-C, SiO2, and Si-Si chemical bonds as well as significant removal of hydrophobic Si-CHx functional groups. The latter functional groups are prone to restoration and are mainly responsible for the increase in CA with aging. Possible applications of the modified DLC:SiOx nanocomposite films could include biocompatible coatings for biomedical applications, antifogging coatings for optical components, and protective coatings to prevent against corrosion and wear.

Deciphering the role of antisolvent on the structural and optical properties of CH3NH3PbI3 film and its impacts on the performance and stability of n-i-p perovskite solar cells

This study presents an in-depth morphological, structural, and optical study of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) film during the antisolvent dripping time, and their relevance to the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is revealed. The detrimental role of the antisolvent is best demonstrated by using chlorobenzene (CB) as an antisolvent and comparing PSC devices fabricated from CB-free versus PSCs containing CB at different dripping times (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 s) before the end of deposition of CH3NH3PbI3 film (deposition time was 30 s). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, Urbach energy analysis, steady-state photoluminescence (PL) spectra, current-voltage (I–V), external quantum efficiency (EQE), and water droplet contact angle measurement techniques were utilized to evaluate the characteristics of obtained MAPbI3 films, photovoltaic parameters, and the stability of constructed n-i-p PSCs. It was observed that changing the antisolvent dripping time changes the optical and structural properties of the MAPbI3 layer, including the direct and indirect optical band gap, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, optical conductivity, Urbach energy, dislocation density, lattice strain, crystallite size, and lattice parameters. The above-mentioned parameters were investigated in detail. Accordingly, by dripping the CB at 20 s before the end of the deposition process (labeled as a sample of 20 s), the created MAPbI3 layer had a smoother and pinhole-free surface, resulting in higher crystallinity than the other samples. The values of the direct band gap of the created MAPbI3 films varied from 1.51 to 1.61 eV, corresponding to samples CB-free and 20 s, respectively. For all samples, the indirect band gap was 60 meV lower than the direct band gap. Also, the sample at 20 s had a lower Urbach energy, indicating that this sample's interband defects are less than other models. In addition, the PSCs with CB-dripping at 20 s exhibited higher power conversion efficiency (13.95%) and outstanding stability of power output (<16% decay) as compared to the device without CB-dripping (>82% decay) after keeping in ambient air for about 1450 h at 40 ± 10% RH and 25 ± 5 °C. This systematic comparative study of the structural and optical properties of the perovskite layer can provide a promising platform for achieving high-quality perovskite films to overcome the shortcomings of instability and degradation.

Synthesis methods of NiOx nanoparticles and its effect on hole conductivity and stability of n-i-p perovskite solar cells

Herein, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with different routes were synthesized and used as HTLs for MAPbI3-based PSCs. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), steady-state photoluminescence (PL) spectra, space-charge limited current (SCLC) model, water droplet contact angle and current voltage (I-V) measurements were used to investigate the characteristics of synthesized NiOx, photovoltaic parameters and stability of constructed n-i-p perovskite solar cells. It was found that employing nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2·6H2O) (labeled as NiCl2) as Ni reagent in the synthesis process could be obtained more desirable NiOx NPs for the HTL role in PSC devices. Results showed NiCl2-based NiOx HTL facilitates hole extraction to a gold electrode and suppresses electron-hole recombination rate in PSCs. NiCl2-based NiOx HTL brings a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.57% for PSCs, higher than HTL-free PSCs with a champion PCE of 6.78%. In addition, the stability of NiOx-containing PSCs was considerably higher than that of a device without NiOx HTL. NiCl2-based PSC maintained 86% of its initial PCE after keeping in ambient air (25–40% RH) for 45 days, outperforming the control device that only retained ∼ 48% of its initial PCE after 25 days of the stability test. This work provides a deep understanding for efficiency and stability of the NiOx based perovskite solar cells and an approach to improve the using of low-cost HTLs.

Evaluation of three methods of static contact angle measurements for TiO2 nanofluid droplets during evaporation

This article discusses the evaluation of three methods of static contact angle measurements of de-ionized (DI) water and TiO2 nanofluid droplets with three concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 5%) that evaporate on the substrate of three different temperatures. To compare the discussed approximation methods, the differences between the results of the mean contact angles were identified; the highest standard deviation was recorded for the Young–Laplace and circle methods, such as for the nanofluid TiO2–DI with 1% at 50 °C, it is 3.21°, while the lowest value was obtained for TiO2–DI with 5% at Tenv, SD = 0.04°, by comparing the contact angle results using the ellipse and circle methods. Research shows that circular shape approximation is not to be excluded for contact angle determination in the angular range of 0°–75°.

Nanometric CrN/CrAlN and CrN/ZrN multilayer physical vapor deposited coatings on 316L stainless steel as bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Nanometric CrN/ZrN and CrN/CrAlN multilayer coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel as metallic bipolar plates (BPs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) by the cathodic arc evaporation-physical vapor deposition technique. The coatings were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, surface roughness determination, and water droplet contact angle measurement. In order to study the electrochemical behavior of the coatings, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy examinations were conducted at the simulated cathodic PEMFC media (0.5 M H2SO4 purging O2, 70°C). Also, the interfacial contact resistance (ICR) of the coated and uncoated 316L BPs was evaluated in different compaction forces before and after the potentiostatic polarization test. The current density at 0.644 V vs. Ag/AgCl of 0.16 and 0.76 μA cm−2 was recorded for CrN/ZrN and CrN/CrAlN, respectively. Moreover, it was found that after the potentiostatic polarization tests, the ICR values of the 316L BPs were decreased from 276 to 8.3 and 9.4 mΩ cm2 by the deposition of the CrN/ZrN and CrN/CrAlN coatings, respectively. The enhancement in the ICR and corrosion behavior of both CrN/ZrN and CrN/CrAlN multilayer coatings indicated that these coatings can be potentially suitable for PEMFCs application, according to the United States Department of Energy's targets.

Pore Structure and Wettability of Lacustrine Shale With Carbonate Interlayers in Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

Shale samples with carbonate interlayers have attracted more and more attention in shale oil exploration of lacustrine shale in China, and the characterization of pore structure and wettability of these shales are significant to the study of shale-oil enrichment and effective exploitation. In this work, by examining six shale samples with carbonate interlayers of Shahejie Formation in East China, the pore structure and wettability characteristics of shale are characterized by means of thin section petrography; X-ray diffraction mineralogy; total organic carbon (TOC) analyses; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging; air-liquid contact angle for wettability; as well as N2 physisorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for pore structure. The results show that the main mineral contents are carbonate (with an average of 51.4%) and clay minerals (mainly mixed-layer illite-smectite). The average TOC content is 2.90%, and there is a strong correlation between TOC and dolomite content. In addition, the obvious layered structure is observed by thin section and SEM methods. The pores below 200 nm with ink-bottle shapes are obviously smaller than those of marine shale, and the pore throats are mainly below 50 nm; however, there are also some micrometer-sized cracks. The droplet contact angle measurement shows that the shale is mainly lipophilic, while moderately hydrophilic, at millimeter observational scales. The NMR T2 spectra of water- and oil-saturated samples have an obvious feature of three peak characteristics, as the pore size-associated wettability of these samples can be divided into three stages: water-wet (0.01–1 ms), oil-wet (1–40 ms), and mixed-wet (&amp;gt;40 ms) in terms of relaxation time of the NMR T2 spectrum. The proportion of the second main peak of T2 spectra (P2) for dodecane-saturated samples is directly proportional to the TOC content, and the relationship between P2 and mineral composition is consistent with water-saturated samples.

Birch Wood Surface Characterization after Treatment with Modified Phenol-Formaldehyde Oligomers.

Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins with well-established molecular sizes are promising treatment agents for wood bulk protection. However, due to the presence of hydroxyl groups on the periphery, the PF oligomers tend to absorb the water, which can lead to water penetration into the wood. To overcome this drawback different PF pre-polymers have been chemically modified with different long-chain fatty acid chlorides (FAC) via esterification. To obtain the modified PF (M-PF) resins, the PF pre-polymers with average molecular weight (Mw) from 266 to 884 g/mol were esterified with decanoyl, lauroyl, myristoyl, palmitoyl, and stearoyl chloride in pyridine as the reaction medium. Silver birch (Betula pendula) wood specimens (15 × 70 × 150 mm3) were coated with M-PF pre-polymer 5% (w/w) solutions in tetrahydrofuran (THF), and hydrophobic properties of treated birch wood specimens were evaluated using surface contact angle (CA) measurements of water droplets. For all M-PF resin-treated specimens, CA was almost 2–2.5 times higher than for untreated wood (45°) and it remained 80–125° after 60 s. The aging properties of M-PF resin-coated birch wood were analyzed using artificial weathering with ultraviolet (UV) light and combination of both UV and water spray. Results clearly confirm, that the hydrophobic properties of M-PF-treated wood has short-term character and will gradually disappear during long-term application in outdoor conditions.

Hydrophilic and Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2/SiO2 Nano-layers in Dry Weather

This paper describes the changes in TiO2/SiO2 nanolayers properties induced by Ultraviolet- visible spectroscopy (UV) irradiation in terms of hydrophilicity/photocatalycity. The TiO2/SiO2 nano particles were synthesized by the sol-gel method and deposited on soda-lime glass by dip-coating. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the TiO2 particles showed that the nano-particles were crystallized in anatase crystal structure with a crystallite size of ~12 nm. The morphology and surface roughness of TiO2 nanolayer were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. The surface roughness (Ra) for TiO2/Glass and TiO2/SiO2 was measured ~ 5 and 19 nm, respectively. The hardness of nanolayers on the glass was evaluated and scratch thickness for 1000 g sinker was measured ~150 nm. The self-cleaning properties were tested in dry condition (RH<15%) under UV irradiation by evaluating the oleic acid photodegradation and monitoring the hydrophilic properties of the surface with a contact angle measurement. The result showed that contact angle of the layer decreases from 77 to 42° after 25 h UV irradiation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy- Attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) showed the elimination of C=O bonds of oleic acid on the surface after UV light irradiation. Water droplet contact angle measurement on TiO2 nano-layer exhibited a less hydrophilicity after UV irradiation and the contact angle changed from 15 to 40°, which may be due to the low atmospheric humidity. Adding SiO2 nanoparticles increases roughness of the nano-layer, from 5 to 19 nm, without a significant effect on the photodegradation rate of oleic acid.

Performance matching between the surface structure of cucumber powdery mildew in different growth stages and the properties of surfactant solution.

Understanding performance matching of pesticide droplets on the surface of cucumber leaves modified by powdery mildew is of practical importance for the agricultural sector. Here, the surface texture and wettability of cucumber leaves covered by powdery mildew were systematically examined using parameters such as micromorphology, physicochemical properties, and liquid droplet contact angle measurements. Our results show that powdery mildew growth can be divided into four distinct stages according to the surface texture characteristics of the diseased cucumber leaves. The three-dimensional (3D) surface structures of powdery mildew layers on cucumber leaves had individual characteristics at different mildew growth stages, among which powdery mildew was more easily spread in the last growth stage, and powdery mildew height was greatest in the NO. 2 growth stage (Sa =425.35 μm). Surface free energy values, static contact angle, and contact angle hysteresis all correlated strongly with the surface characteristics of powdery mildew layers at different growth stages. When the concentration of surfactant reached the critical micelle concentration, the wetting state of AEO-5 solution droplets on the surface of cucumber powdery mildew leaves reached the Wenzel state more easily. The wettability of a droplet on the leaf surface depends on the state of the monomer and micelle in the surfactant solution and the surface characteristics of the powdery mildew-covered leaf. The 3D structure and relative dielectric constant of powdery mildew-covered leaves influenced surface texture characteristics, which in turn controlled the wetting and matching ability of surfactant droplets on diseased leaves. This work provides valuable new insights into the matching of the structure of powdery mildew-covered plant leaves with the properties of surfactant solutions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of non-ionic surfactants in Winsor &amp; Newton's water-mixable oil paints

Abstract Water-mixable oil (WMO) paints are a relatively new addition to the artists’ palette that have increased in usage and popularity over the past few decades. Understanding the composition and properties of WMO paint is essential for the artists who use them and for the people who work with WMO paintings—particularly art conservators. However, the formulations that make WMO paints possible remain undisclosed by paint manufacturers. In this research, fresh paint and naturally-aged paint-outs from Winsor & Newton’s Artisan WMO products were used to study the chemistry of WMO paints. The development of a unique high-pressure liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method enabled the separation and detection of the non-ionic surfactants in the Artisan WMO paints. A data visualization strategy using contour plots was applied for interpretation of results, affording, for the first time, complete structural identifications of surfactant molecules in a WMO paint. The paints were found to contain a complex mixture of ethoxylated molecules, including polyoxyethylene (POE) fatty acid esters derived from the fatty acid mixture of linseed oil. An exudate that formed from the cured paints was also analyzed. More-saturated fatty acid esters, POE oleate and POE stearate, were detected; however, more-reactive POE fatty acid esters were found absent, providing insight relating to the stability of surfactants in the Artisan WMO paints as well as potential curing reactions. HPLC-MS studies were contextualized with physical observations and surface measurements that were performed on the cured samples. Tacky surfaces observed on the cured paint films showed significantly higher surface gloss and surface hydrophilicity; these observations were quantified using glossimetry and droplet contact angle measurements. These results provide insight into the unique chemistry present in WMO paints and provide a basis for future studies for art conservators and conservation scientists working with this new media.

Synthesis of poly(alkylaniline)s by aqueous chemical oxidative polymerization and their use as stimuli-responsive liquid marble stabilizer

Poly(alkylaniline) grains with several tens micrometer-sized diameter were successfully synthesized by aqueous chemical oxidative polymerization. The grains were aggregates consisting of submicrometer sized-atypical particles, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy studies. Static contact angle measurements of water droplets on the compressed pellets of the grains indicated that the hydrophobicity increased with an increase of alkyl group length and the alkyl groups bonded to phenyl ring is expected to be exposed to air phase. The data obtained through thermography indicated the grains showed near infrared light-to-heat photothermal property. The dried grains could work as an effective liquid marble stabilizer by efficient adsorption to air-water interface. The remote locomotion control of liquid marble could be attained by near-infrared light-induced Marangoni flow. Furthermore, the liquid marbles could detect oil contamination on water surface by disruption.

Effects of Stoichiometry on Structural, Morphological and Nanomechanical Properties of Bi2Se3 Thin Films Deposited on InP(111) Substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition

In the present study, the structural, morphological, compositional, nanomechanical, and surface wetting properties of Bi2Se3 thin films prepared using a stoichiometric Bi2Se3 target and a Se-rich Bi2Se5 target are investigated. The Bi2Se3 films were grown on InP(111) substrates by using pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction results revealed that all the as-grown thin films exhibited were highly c-axis-oriented Bi2Se3 phase with slight shift in diffraction angles, presumably due to slight stoichiometry changes. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses indicated that the Se-rich target gives rise to a nearly stoichiometric Bi2Se3 films, while the stoichiometric target only resulted in Se-deficient and Bi-rich films. Atomic force microscopy images showed that the films’ surfaces mainly consist of triangular pyramids with step-and-terrace structures with average roughness, Ra, being ~2.41 nm and ~1.65 nm for films grown with Bi2Se3 and Bi2Se5 targets, respectively. The hardness (Young’s modulus) of the Bi2Se3 thin films grown from the Bi2Se3 and Bi2Se5 targets were 5.4 GPa (110.2 GPa) and 10.3 GPa (186.5 GPa), respectively. The contact angle measurements of water droplets gave the results that the contact angle (surface energy) of the Bi2Se3 films obtained from the Bi2Se3 and Bi2Se5 targets were 80° (21.4 mJ/m2) and 110° (11.9 mJ/m2), respectively.

Wettability, water absorption and water storage in rosette leaves of the dragon tree (Dracaena draco L.)

Main conclusionLeaf surfaces of Dracaena draco are wettable and can absorb water. The thick, basal leaf part could act as a water reservoir that changes in volume with plant hydration.Rosettes of leaves of Dracaena draco play an important role in directing fog water through leaf axils into the stem tissues, where it can be stored for further use. However, how water is intercepted and collected by the leaves remains unclear, especially since leaf blade surfaces are considered hydrophobic. Based on the observations of D. draco individuals growing in Spain and in glasshouse conditions in Poland, we hypothesised that their long leaves (~ 70 cm) are able to absorb water along the whole leaf blade, but leaf age affects this process. We used water droplet contact angle measurements, anatomical analyses of leaf cross sections along the age gradient and dye tracer experiments to test this hypothesis. The data showed that the leaf surfaces of D. draco are wettable. In general, the mature leaves of the rosette are more wettable than the young ones. Water can be absorbed both through the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The hydrenchyma is not uniformly distributed along the leaf, it is especially abundant towards the leaf base where it forms a massive water reservoir, which changes in volume depending on plant water status. The results of these studies shed light on the role of rosettes in water absorption by D. draco, and broaden our understanding of the functioning of this vulnerable species.

Air Layer on Superhydrophobic Surface for Frictional Drag Reduction

We examined the feasibility of combining a superhydrophobic surface (SHS) and air layer drag reduction (ALDR) to achieve the frictional drag reduction (DR) shown achievable with traditional ALDR, but at a reduced gas flux to increase the achievable net energy savings. The effect of a commercial SHS coating on the gas flux required to maintain a stable air layer (AL) for DR was investigated and compared with that of a painted non-SHS at Reynolds numbers up to 5.1 X 106. Quantitative electrical impedance measurements and more qualitative image analysis were used to characterize surface coverage and to determine whether a stable AL was formed and maintained over the length of the model. Analysis of video and still images for both the SHS and painted surface gives clear indications that the SHS is able to maintain AL consistency at significantly lower gas flux than required on the non-SHS painted surface. Hydrophobicity of the surfaces was characterized through droplet contact angle measurements, and roughness of all the flow surfaces was measured. The results from these preliminary experiments seem to indicate that for conditions explored (up to Rex = 5.1 X 106), there is a significant decrease in the amount of gas required to establish a uniform AL (and hence presumably achieve ALDR) on the SHS when compared with a hydraulically smooth painted non-SHS.

Comparing electrowettability and surfactants as tools for wettability enhancement on a hydrophobic surface

Surfactants and electrowetting (EW) are widely used for wettability enhancement of water. While numerous studies have examined the use of surfactants and EW individually, there are very few studies on electrowettability of surfactant-infused droplets. Furthermore, comparative analyses of the extent of wettability alteration via the use of surfactants and via EW are very limited. This study fills such gaps, and presents a systematic and detailed comparison of wettability control via EW and surfactants on a smooth hydrophobic surface. Nine surfactants were chosen in three categories: anionic, cationic and zwitterionic. Contact angle (CA) measurements of surfactant-infused water droplets were conducted with and without EW, at pre and post-critical micelle concentration limits (CMC).Many fundamental insights on the interplay between surfactants and electric fields are uncovered. While surfactants enhance wettability till CMC limits, EW can enable additional CA reduction (in surfactant-infused droplets) of as much as 35°. Conversely, surfactants enhance (by as much as 27°) the EW-induced CA reduction of water-surfactant solutions, as compared to EW-induced CA reduction of water alone. Interestingly, the influence of EW in enabling CA reduction is weakened by the addition of surfactants at pre-CMC levels. In contrast, the influence of EW in enabling CA reduction is increased at higher surfactant concentrations. It is noted that the extent of wettability enhancement via EW is limited by contact angle saturation beyond a certain electric field. At post CMC levels, the saturation CAs resulting from EW are independent of surfactant concentration.

Assessment and Interpretation of Surface Wettability Based on Sessile Droplet Contact Angle Measurement: Challenges and Opportunities

AbstractSurface wettability, a property that governs the interaction between the solid and liquid phases, is central in various biological systems and technological applications. A typical approach to assess the wetting interaction is based on the sessile droplet contact angle. Despite its experimental simplicity, caution is required in the measurement and interpretation of the sessile contact angle as a wettability metric. In this work, the major challenges related to the use of the sessile droplet contact angle for characterizing surface wetting behavior are reviewed. The complexity of interpreting surface wettability using the contact angle value arising from the following factors is discussed: the role of solid–liquid interfacial area and three‐phase contact line, the existence of multiple metastable states with a range of contact angle values, and the droplet size dependence of contact angles. An overview of the emerging alternative wetting evaluation techniques and parameters that can complement the sessile contact angle measurement is outlined.

Studies of Black Diamond as an antibacterial surface for Gram Negative bacteria: the interplay between chemical and mechanical bactericidal activity

‘Black silicon’ (bSi) samples with surfaces covered in nanoneedles of length ~5 µm were fabricated using a plasma etching process and then coated with a conformal uniform layer of diamond using hot filament chemical vapour deposition to produce ‘black diamond’ (bD) nanostructures. The diamond needles were then chemically terminated with H, O, NH2 or F using plasma treatment, and the hydrophilicity of the resulting surfaces were assessed using water droplet contact-angle measurements, and scaled in the order O > H ≈NH2 >F, with the F-terminated surface being superhydrophobic. The effectiveness of these differently terminated bD needles in killing the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli was semi-quantified by Live/Dead staining and fluorescence microscopy, and visualised by environmental scanning electron microscopy. The total number of adhered bacteria was consistent for all the nanostructured bD surfaces at around 50% of the value for the flat diamond control. This, combined with a chemical bactericidal effect of 20–30%, shows that the nanostructured bD surfaces supported significantly fewer viable E. coli than flat surfaces. Moreover, the bD surfaces were particularly effective at preventing the establishment of bacterial aggregates – a precursor to biofilm formation. The percentage of dead bacteria also decreased as a function of hydrophilicity. These results are consistent with a predominantly mechanical mechanism for bacteria death based on the stretching and disruption of the cell membrane, combined with an additional effect from the chemical nature of the surface.