Electrochemically generated super-hydrophilic surfaces

Abstract

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.