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Recent Advances in Fabrication of Durable, Transparent, and Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Summary

This review explores how scientists create special water-repellent coatings that are also transparent and long-lasting. These coatings are inspired by natural surfaces like lotus leaves and could be used on windows, phone screens, and solar panels. The main challenge is balancing three competing demands: making surfaces water-repellent, keeping them clear, and ensuring they survive wear and tear.

Background

Transparent superhydrophobic coatings have attracted significant research interest due to their self-cleaning properties and potential applications in outdoor devices. However, widespread implementation is hindered by challenges in durability and complex fabrication procedures. Superhydrophobicity and optical transparency are often considered mutually exclusive properties.

Objective

This review aims to bridge the knowledge gap in fabrication techniques for durable, transparent, and superhydrophobic coatings by elucidating the fundamentals governing these conflicting properties. The review presents advanced surface design strategies, processing optimizations, and evaluation protocols for assessing mechanical and chemical stabilities.

Results

Top-down methods like F-TNTs/TiN coatings achieved 79.6% transparency and 154° contact angle with high hardness. Bottom-up approaches using SiO₂ nanoparticles demonstrated superior durability through self-similar failure characteristics. Armor protection strategies provided outstanding abrasion resistance exceeding 1000 sandpaper cycles.

Conclusion

The review highlights that achieving durable, transparent, and superhydrophobic surfaces simultaneously remains challenging but feasible through integrated design approaches. Standardized durability evaluation protocols are essential, and scalable, cost-effective manufacturing methods are needed for real-world applications.
  • Published in:Nanomaterials (Basel),
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 37630944, DOI: 10.3390/nano13162359
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