Lotus leaf inspired robust superhydrophobic coating from strawberry-like Janus particles

We demonstrate a one-step approach toward the large-scale fabrication of robust superhydrophobic coatings using strawberry-like hemispherical Janus particles. Hemispherical Janus particles are capable of self-organizing into a layer on substrates. Nanoscale roughness on the hydrophobic hemispherical side determines the superhydrophobic performance. The imidazolin group on the hydrophilic flat side determines the coating strength by covalent binding onto substrates via cations initiating the crosslinking of the intermediate epoxy resins. The coating can tolerate organic solvents and high water flushing speeds. If the hydrophobic side is smooth, then the coating is highly adhesive to water. This procedure can fabricate unique coatings on a diverse range of substrates with varied compositions and shapes.