Facile, scalable and Substrate-Independent omniphobic surface

Abstract

Omniphobic surfaces have a very wide range of applications. However, limited by substrate material and/or fabrication processes, scalable synthesis of robust omniphobic surfaces with universality and versatility remains challenging for both academia and industry. Here, we present a facile and scalable slippery omniphobic surface (FSSOS) based on the straightforward blending and dip/spray-coating of polysilazane (PSZ) and minute low surface energy silane under room temperature. Water shows a contact angle hysteresis (CAH) of 18°, and the overall trend across all tested solvents suggests a relatively low CAH (＜10°), further enhancing its surface omniphobicity. The one-step synthesis protocol is cost-effective, substrate-independent, and does not require curing aids such as UV irradiation or heat. The FSSOS achieves multi-liquid omni-repellency with chemical and mechanical durability under various harsh exposure conditions. The CAH remains stable even after exposure to 4 m/s water jet impact for 8 h, 130 W ultrasonic vibration for 250 min, 10 kPa pressure tape-peel test for 250 cycles, heating at 250 °C for 10 min, and 205 mW/cm² UV irradiation for 28 days. This approach highlights a functional design of liquid-repellent surfaces for numerous real-world applications.