Remarkably facile fabrication of extremely superhydrophobic high-energy binary composite with ultralong lifespan

Abstract In the 21st century, it is bound to become an important trend for the assembly of novel micro/nano functional materials with long lifespan in the real world by using facile techniques. In this report, the concept of using a low-cost and convenient method of electrophoretic assembly and further surface functionalization by perfluoroalkyltriethoxysilane (FAS-17) modification to obtain superhydrophobic nanoscale composite coatings (e.g. Al/Bi 2 O 3 ) and its first demonstration are reported. The resulting low-energy coatings with nanoparticles distributed homogeneously in nanoscale and abundant rough reticular structures possess almost perfect superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle (WCA) of ca.170° and a negligible roll-off angle. The water droplet impact dynamics is analyzed by a high-speed photography in detail. Additionally, the superhydrophobicity and exquisite heat release performance of the products keep almost unchanged after ultra-long exposure time and high relative humidity (>90%), respectively, indicating the excellent stability and great resistance to changeable environment and wide application potential in fields of surface chemistry, materials science and engineering, physics, etc. This study provides an effective general strategy for the design and development of superhydrophobic functional composites with wide application for different experimental and industrial purposes.