Dynamic air retention in ZnO-integrated biomimetic microcilia arrays for marine antifouling applications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background Marine biofouling has persisted as a challenge for humanity since the inception of maritime activities and remains one of the critical obstacles in contemporary ocean exploitation. For membrane materials exposed to aquatic environments, it is essential to control biofouling while avoiding adverse impacts on the surrounding ecosystem. Method Inspired by the structure of lotus leaves and the visible reflection due to trapped air layer of Salvinia , we fabricated ZnO nanopillars on the surface of flexible microcilia arrays to achieve a superhydrophobic surface with micro-nano hierarchical structure. We employed ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope observation and simulated marine environment experiments to systematically evaluate the bubble adsorption effect and antifouling performance of the ZnO-integrated biomimetic microcilia arrays. The surface morphology of the materials was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the physicochemical properties of the material surfaces were analyzed via energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and water contact angle measurements. Significant findings The ZnO-integrated microcilia array can generate visible reflection due to trapped air layer underwater, forming a gaseous plastron as physical antifouling barrier, which can retain exceptional bubble adsorption capacity even after multiple cycles. The gaseous plastron provides environmentally friendly antifouling strategies and can effectively resist the attachment of bacteria and algae under both static and simulated dynamic marine conditions.
Authors: Hongbo Sun, Wei Bing, Yetong Zhu, Hong Zhang
Institutions: Jilin University, Changchun University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,650
Award: G3875317561
OpenAlex ID: W4417501389