Switchable surfaces from highly hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic using covalent imine bonds

The formation of materials with switchable wettability is extremely important for various applications such as in separation membranes or liquid transportation. Here, we report for the first time the use of imine bonds in order to prepare switchable hydrophobic/hydrophilic surfaces. Based on a poly( 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) surface bearing amino groups, imination reaction allows for reversible functionalization of surfaces with various carbonyl groups. Here, surfaces functionalization induces high hydrophobic properties while the surface structures are preserved. This reaction can be a choice method to prepare switchable surfaces for a large range of applications. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.