Phase and morphology controllable synthesis of superhydrophobic Sb 2 O 3 via a solvothermal method

Abstract In this article, we report on a controllable synthesis of superhydrophobic Sb 2 O 3 microcrystals via a solvothermal method assisted with the soluble inorganic Na 2 WO 4 salt. Morphologies of the final products depend on the amount of the OH − ions adsorbed on Sb 2 O 3 nanoplates. By varying the amount of NaOH, the octahedral Sb 2 O 3 can be switched to microcrystals or microspindles. Reaction and formation mechanisms of Sb 2 O 3 were also proposed, which may also benefit synthesis of other metal oxides with controllable morphology. Additionally, after modified by (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl) trimethoxysilane, the as-synthesized octahedral Sb 2 O 3 microcrystals and Sb 2 O 3 microspindles show superhydrophobic and excellent anticorrosion properties in acidic and basic circumstances.