Electrochemically generated super-hydrophilic surfaces

The control of surface wettability of indium tin oxide (In2O3–SnO2) coated glass surfaces is studied. We report here the first observation of purely electrochemical generation of super-hydrophilic surfaces at In2O3–SnO2 electrodes in the absence of an ultraviolet illumination source. This is achieved by the application of high anodic potentials for a prolonged period. Such surfaces are reversibly converted back to their original hydrophobic state on storage in air (one or two days) or water (a week) (and vice versa). The unique character of these surfaces can be attributed to the surface structure of the hydrophilic phase.