Semiconductor supported biomimetic superhydrophobic gold surfaces by the galvanic exchange reaction

Highly stable gold micro-nano structures with various morphologies were fabricated using a galvanic exchange reaction under different conditions, such as, concentration of gold salt, illumination, solution temperature, ultrasonication, or addition of surfactants. After modification of the gold films with n-dodecanethiol, superhydrophobic surface (contact angle 165 degrees) similar to the lotus leaf was obtained. In addition, the mechanism for superhydrophobic property was discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.