A Review: Natural Superhydrophobic Surfaces and Applications

Abstract

As the mimic biology becomes more and more important in the field of technology, superhydrophobic materials in the natural world have also become common. Superhydrophobic surfaces are used to prevent water droplets from wetting themselves which contain the micro- and nano-structures named hierarchical surfaces and exhibit the high water contact angles (WCA) that are greater than 150˚ and perfect application foreground in both our daily lives and industry. In this work, we first discuss several surface properties and their numerical models. And then we list the surface properties of a variety of natural superhydrophobic surfaces and sum up their similarities and differences. The most recent strategies of how to apply natural superhydrophobic surfaces are also introduced within the past several years. In addition, we talk about the limitations of the current generation of superhydrophobic surfaces and prospects which looks for solutions to the problems. This review aims to enable researchers to learn more about the principles and mechanisms of superhydrophobicity and perceive the new methods for creating and modifying it.