Recent advances in fabricating durable superhydrophobic surfaces: a review in the aspects of structures and materials

Abstract

Extensive attention has been concentrated toward the development of superhydrophobic coatings with unique structures and properties due to their extended applications in our daily life. However, the poor durability and short service life have greatly restricted the practical applications of superhydrophobic materials. The surface rough structure and material chemistry are important factors affecting the durability of superhydrophobic coatings. Only through fully understanding the roles played by the structure and material can we combine their advantages to prepare extremely durable coatings. In this review, we discuss ways to prolong the life-time of superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) in two aspects, namely the surface structures and materials. The strategy of rational design of hierarchical structures with or without special shapes, and addition of supportive structural shelters can effectively enhance the resistance to damage. The use of functional materials, such as self-healing materials, fully functionalized monolithic materials, elastic materials, and strong adhesive materials is another intelligent strategy to maintain superhydrophobicity against severe mechano-chemical attacks. This review provides a systematic account of the strategies together with deep fundamental insights for the development of durable superhydrophobic surfaces towards practical applications.