Superhydrophilic Silica Coatings via a Sequential Dipping Process
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A superhydrophilic silica coating was prepared using a sequential dipping process involving acid-catalyzed silica, base-catalyzed silica, and 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propanesulfonic acid. Acid-catalyzed and base-catalyzed silica particles with varying diameters were synthesized by hydrolyzing tetraethyl orthosilicate using HCl and NH3·H2O as catalysts, respectively. 3-(Trihydroxysilyl)propanesulfonic acid was obtained by oxidizing mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane with hydrogen peroxide under acidic conditions. The resulting silica coating exhibited exceptional superhydrophilicity, with a water static contact angle of 5.0°, and demonstrated underwater superoleophobicity, with a hexadecane underwater contact angle exceeding 140°. Surfaces coated with the superhydrophilic silica coatings showed excellent performances in oil–water separation, anti-protein adsorption, and anti-fogging applications.
Source: Molecules
Authors: Junbao Xie, Anqi Liang, Qin Lin, Nantian Chen, Abbas Ahmed, Xiaoyan Li, Rongkun Jian, Luyi Sun, Fuchuan Ding
Institutions: Fujian Normal University, University of Connecticut
Language: English
Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W4409634056