Nepenthes pitcher-inspired lubricant-infused slippery surface with superior anti-corrosion durability, hot water repellency and scratch resistance

Nepenthes pitcher-inspired slippery surface provides an alternative strategy to overcome the shortcomings of the current superhydrophobic surfaces such as thermal-mechanical stability and functional durability. Herein, we fabricate a lubricant-infused slippery surface (LISS) through micro-nano structure building, low surface energy molecular grafting and perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) lubricant oil infusion. The surface morphologies, chemical compositions, wettability, dynamic liquids movement, selfcleaning, anti-corrosion behavior, and thermal-mechanical stability were investigated and analyzed. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results reveal that the fabricated LISS exhibits enhanced Rct and |Z|0.01Hz values with 2 orders of magnitude higher even after 30 days immersion, demonstrating outstanding long-lasting anti-corrosion properties. Besides, the LISS also exhibits superior capacities of hot water repellency (-90 degrees C water droplets) and scratching resistance. We believe these results have significant implications for understanding the design and multi-functional applications of biomimetic liquid-infused slippery materials. CO 2021 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study presents the fabrication and analysis of a lubricant-infused slippery surface (LISS) inspired by Nepenthes pitcher. The LISS exhibits outstanding long-lasting anti-corrosion properties, hot water repellency, and scratching resistance, making it a promising biomimetic material for various applications.