Total re-establishment of superhydrophobicity of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes by Co2 laser treatment

Total restitution of original superhydrophobicity of vertically-aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VACNT) was achieved by CO2 laser treatment. Superhydrophobic VACNT films obtained by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition (MWCVD) were pre-treated with oxygen plasma to convert them in superhydrophilic films. Treatments with CO2 laser at different powers were carried out on the superhydrophilic films for controlling of wettability. Changing in both surface energy and roughness of the VACNT films, was evaluated by contact angle measurement and atomic force microscopy images, respectively. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.