Long-term and thermally stable superhydrophobic surfaces of carbon nanofibers

Carbon nanofibers were prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by a simple wetting-compatible method. The surfaces of the aligned carbon nanofibers show excellent thermal- and time-stable superhydrophobicity. The average water contact angle (CA) values are about 153.1 +/- 2.2 degrees at room temperature, with little difference coming from experimental error. In addition, the CA of the aligned carbon nanofibers surface maintains 139.1 +/- 3.2 degrees after 10 months of exposure to the ambient environment. Nanostructure on the surface of carbon nanofibers and the intrinsic thermal resistance of carbon contribute to this unique surface property. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.