Robust superhydrophobic 1D Ni3S2 nanorods coating for self-cleaning and anti-scaling

Enormous attention has been attracted by Ni3S2 with various microstructures and excellent properties. In this work, a solvothermal reaction was adopted to fabricate 1D Ni3S2 nanorods coating. Then a superhydrophobic surface was achieved by the followed myristic acid modification. This superhydrophobic coating significantly hindered the infiltration of water. The attached contaminants could be easily carried away by water droplets owing to the low adhesion of the coating surface. In addition, the cooperation of low surface energy and 1D nanorods structure exhibited prominent anti-scaling property that effectively blocked the deposition of calcium carbonate. Moreover, it was confirmed that this superhydrophobic coating displayed outstanding thermostability, UV resistance and durability. In addition, water sand scouring and ultrasonic vibration tests were conducted to examine the mechanical stability, and the tested samples still maintained their superhydrophobicity and integrated nanorods structure. These excellent properties make the Ni3S2 superhydrophobic coating a promising barrier for anti-scaling.