Photoresponsive superhydrophobic surfaces from one-pot solution spin coating mediated by polydopamine

Abstract

Smart stimuli-responsive superhydrophobic surfaces with reversibly switchable wettability have received considerable attention due to their various potential applications. We demonstrate here a new but versatile approach for preparing photoresponsive superhydrophobic surfaces. Fluorinated azobenzene derivatives or polymers are immobilized onto silica surface by taking advantage of the remarkable adhesive ability of polydopamine. By simply spin coating the silica particles onto silicon wafer, superhydrophobic surfaces can be obtained with a water contact angle greater than 150° and low contact angle hysteresis (<10°). In addition, reversible change water contact angles on the surfaces can occur upon irradiation with alternate UV and visible light.