Self-similar architectures for pressure-tolerant and mechanically durable superamphiphobic coatings

Abstract

Superamphiphobic coatings promise broad utility but continue to face a fundamental challenge: architectures that resist liquid impalement are intrinsically fragile, undermining mechanical durability under realistic service conditions. Here, we report a phase-separation-assisted spray-coating strategy that overcomes this trade-off by constructing self-similar hierarchical micro-/nanostructures. Non-solvent-induced phase separation of a fluorosilicone adhesive, coupled with the self-assembly of fluorinated silica nanoparticles, embeds superamphiphobicity uniformly throughout the coating bulk rather than confining it to the surface. The resulting coatings exhibit excellent repellency toward water and low-surface-tension liquids, together with robust pressure tolerance, maintaining stable anti-wetting performance under high-speed droplet impact and prolonged liquid immersion. Moreover, the coatings demonstrate remarkable mechanical robustness, while retaining chemical corrosion resistance, ultraviolet aging stability, thermal stability, and long-term outdoor durability. Such comprehensive robustness arises from the synergy of the self-similar hierarchical architecture, strong interfacial adhesion from the adhesive matrix, and the intrinsic chemical inertness of the constituents. Furthermore, the coatings exhibit outstanding anti-icing performance, including markedly delayed freezing, ultra-low ice adhesion strength, and reliable function over repeated icing/deicing cycles. This work demonstrates durable superamphiphobic coatings capable of reconciling liquid impalement resistance with mechanical durability under realistic service conditions.