Work

Concertation of Anti-Reflective, Superhydrophobic Surface Based on Rational Assembly of Dual-Size Silica

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Silica-based multifunctional coatings hold great promise for applications in optical devices, lenses, and solar panels. Herein, we report a facile, low-temperature route to integrate super-hydrophobicity with high transparency and low haze. By precisely controlling particle gradation and applying fluorine passivation, a multi-scale structure with micro-scale uniformity and nano-scale asperity was constructed. This unique architecture, combined with low surface energy, effectively reduces light scattering and enhances air trapping. Consequently, the coated glass achieves a high optical transmittance of 95.24% with a low haze of 0.97%, alongside a water contact angle of 153° and a sliding angle of 3°. The coating also exhibits distinct anti-reflection (an improvement of ~5.0% relative to the bare substrate) and self-cleaning properties. Furthermore, it demonstrates impressive robustness and durability, withstanding extreme conditions including cryogenic temperatures (-50 °C), hygrothermal environments, and long-term outdoor exposure. This work demonstrates the versatile potential of our strategy for fabricating highly transparent and superhydrophobic surfaces.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18245601

Authors: Lu Xu, Lei Niu, Shuqun Chen, Ting He, Junshu Wu, Jianbo Ai, Yongli Li

Institution: Beijing University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity

Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Beijing Association for Science and Technology