Fabrication of Robust, Anti-reflective, Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings with a Micropatterned Multilayer Structure

Transparent superhydrophobic coatings with mechanical stability, self-cleaning function, and anti-reflective property have drawn much attention due to the great potential in a variety of real-world applications. In this work, we develop an ingenious approach to construct micropatterned transparent superhydrophobic coatings with a multilayer structure (water contact angle similar to 153.6 degrees, sliding angle similar to 3.2 degrees). A micropatterned ultraviolet-cured resist frame facilitates durability, while the modified silica nanoparticles, which are housed within the microcavities and bonded by an epoxy-based adhesive, impart superhydrophobicity. The micropatterned multilayer surface could endure sandpaper abrasion while maintaining satisfactory hydrophobicity. The prepared surfaces also retain the excellent water repellency after water jet impact, acid submerging, and mechanical bending, suggesting that they are sustainable in the case of adverse conditions and can be integrated with objects with non-flat geometries. Further, the superhydrophobic coatings exhibit an anti-reflection property while preserving high transparency. Taken together, we envision that the design strategies here can offer a practicable route to produce transparent superhydrophobic coatings for diverse outdoor applications.

Automated summary

In this study, transparent superhydrophobic coatings with a multilayer structure and micropatterns are developed, exhibiting durability, self-cleaning function, and anti-reflective property. These coatings demonstrate excellent water repellency in adverse conditions and can be integrated with non-flat geometries, showing great potential for diverse outdoor applications.