Robust superamphiphobic aluminum surfaces: fabrication and investigation

We report a facile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach to fabricate superamphiphobic Al surfaces. Hierarchical micro/nanoscale morphologyofAlsurfaceswas formed with CuCl2 etching followed by hot water treatment. After derivatization of fluoroalkylphosphonic acid (C10F21C2H4PO(OH)(2), FPA) monolayer, desirable superamphiphobicity was achieved. It was found that the FPA/Al surfaces maintained superamphiphobic under the impinging by SiC flow with a falling height of 30 cm, suggesting good mechanical durability. Wettability measurement showed that the FPA self-assembled monolayer remained integrated up to 300 degrees C, above which damage was observed. The approach reported in this paper can be readily integrated into product lines for wide variety of applications.