Superhydrophobic Anti-Corrosion Coatings for Metal Surfaces: A Systematic Review from Fabrication to Performance

Abstract

Abstract: Metals serve as fundamental materials in a wide range of industrial and everyday applications. However, metal corrosion poses substantial economic losses and safety risks. Superhydrophobic coatings have shown great promise in mitigating these issues by effectively minimizing the retention and penetration of corrosive electrolytes. Through multiple protective mechanisms—such as water repellency, inhibition of electrochemical reactions, and enhanced interfacial adhesion—these coatings isolate the metal substrate from direct contact with corrosive media, thereby significantly improving corrosion resistance. As a result, superhydrophobic coatings have attracted considerable research interest in the field of metal anti-corrosion. This article reviews recent advances in superhydrophobic coatings for corrosion protection of metals, systematically elaborating their anti-corrosion mechanisms and fabrication methods. Finally, the current state of research is summarized, and the challenges and future prospects of superhydrophobic coating technology for metal corrosion protection are discussed.