Design of dual-scale composite structured superhydrophobic surfaces for atmospheric corrosion prevention based on coalescence-induced droplet jumping

Background

The coalescence-induced droplet self-jumping behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) provides a new idea for atmospheric corrosion prevention. Although the influence on droplet self-jumping on different scales in single structure has been well understood, the mechanism of composite structures on droplet self-jumping, especially the process of atmospheric corrosion prevention is still unclear.

Methods

In this work, SHS that composite structured on micron-scale and nano-scale were designed on copper substrate at given salt solution concentration using hydrothermal method; and the difference of their droplet self-jumping behavior on surface was explored in energy perspective.

Significant findings

Results showed that the nano-scale composite structured SHS was more conducive to droplet self-jumping for having smaller top layer structures and interfacial adhesion (E_int). Furthermore, the nano-scale composite structured SHS exhibited superior corrosion protection performance due to the wetting transition by droplet self-jumping. This study provides theoretical guidance for the development of corrosion prevention with composite structured SHS based on coalescence-induced droplet self-jumping behavior.