Bio-inspired superhydrophilic coatings with high anti-adhesion against mineral scales

Inspired by the anti-stone phenomenon of normal renal tubule, we report that superhydrophilic nanohair hydrogel coating shows high anti-adhesion against mineral scales under flowing conditions. The experiment and theory simulation reveal the crucial role of superhydrophilicity and fluid-assisted motion of nanohair in the anti-scale property. Even at a high temperature of 80 °C, it still shows high anti-scale performance, which is much better than the flat hydrogel coating and commercial water pipe with polyvinylchloride surface. This study may provide a promising clue to design high anti-adhesion coatings for resisting mineral scales attachment in water management systems.