Robust multi-functional slippery surface with hollow ZnO nanotube structures

Abstract

Zinc and its alloys have played an important role in the fields of ship manufacturing, construction industries, as well as our daily life. However, their applications are largely restricted due to poor performances under extreme conditions. Meanwhile, the slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) have been widely applied due to their excellent water-repellent, anti-corrosion and anti-icing properties. Herein, SLIPS based on a ZnO nanotube substrate was fabricated via a hydrothermal process, low surface energy modification and lubricant oil infusion, successively. The slippery Zn surface showed a low sliding angle of about 5° to water droplets after infusing lubricants into vacancies among ZnO nanotubes (NTs). More importantly, the slippery Zn surface exhibited superior omniphobicity for liquids with a wide range of surface tensions. Furthermore, the fabricated SLIPS exhibited outstanding slippery stability after several physical and chemical tests such as scratching, wiping and strong acid/alkali immersion. In addition, the anti-corrosion, anti-icing and anti-fouling properties have important significance for extending the practical applications of the slippery Zn surface. Therefore, the slippery Zn surface is expected to be an efficient method for enhancing the physical and chemical stability, anti-corrosion, anti-icing and anti-fouling properties of zinc and its alloys and can expand their applications in the anti-fouling and self-cleaning of automobiles, ships and construction industries under extreme environments.