Per-fluorinated chemical free robust superhydrophobic copper surface using a scalable technique

Robust superhydrophobicity is of immense practical interest in a wide range of applications including selfcleaning, anti-icing, anti-corrosion, atmospheric water harvesting, desalination, condensation, and oil-water separation. However, biohazard associated with the prevalent use of per-fluorinated synthetic chemicals in making these surfaces and the gradual loss of superhydrophobicity have been major roadblocks. Here we develop an environment-friendly and industrially scalable superhydrophobic copper surface using a combination of electrochemical deposition and Lauric acid functionalization. We optimized the synthesis process for ensuring the robustness of these superhydrophobic surfaces. The surface exhibits contact angles as high as 158 degrees with excellent droplet rebounding, self-cleaning, anti-icing, and dropwise condensation abilities. Thermal stability in the range of - 15 degrees C to 150 degrees C, mechanical robustness against abrasion, chemical stability under aqueous, acidic, and basic medium, and the excellent plastron layer stability under long-time underwater immersion attest to the high quality of superhydrophobic surfaces for large-scale applications. These coatings when implemented on the curved surface of a copper tube demonstrated appreciable improvement in condensation behavior. Our method provides a sustainable approach for suitable technological interventions in energy and potable water applications requiring robust environment-friendly superhydrophobic surfaces.

Automated summary

The article describes a sustainable and industrially scalable method for preparing environmentally friendly superhydrophobic copper surfaces. It demonstrates the excellent performance of these surfaces in various applications, as well as their thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability, highlighting their suitability for large-scale use.