Direct UV-replica molding of biomimetic hierarchical structure for selective wetting

We describe a one-step UV-replica molding method for fabricating a biomimetic dual-scale hierarchical structure. The use of UV-curable, acrylate-functionalized perfluoropolyethers allows for a high fidelity replication of a low-energy surface with multiscale texture, thereby directly creating a superhydrophobic surface without any complicated processing. The superhydrophobic surface can simply be transformed selectively into a superhydrophilic surface by exposure to deep ultraviolet light. The prepared surface is inert to chemicals and solvents and maintains its wettability over a long period of time.