A brief review on bio-inspired superhydrophobic electrodeposited nickel coatings

Superhydrophobic electroplated metallic layers are a relatively novel type of functional coatings. They are interesting not only from the scientific point of view, but also from a wide range of potential practical applications, e.g. for anticorrosion protection. Commercialisation of the laboratory work requires deeper understanding of the principles of production and specific surface properties, such as morphology, roughness, surface chemistry, surface wetting and long-term stability of the material. This paper presents a brief review focused on current knowledge of superhydrophobic nickel coatings, modes of their fabrication and characterisation, since technical electroplated nickel belongs to the most important engineering materials in modern technology.