A simple way to achieve tunable adhesion in superhydrophobic nanostructured Co3O4 films

Tunable adhesive forces on the superhydrophobic nanostructured Co3O4 films have been achieved by simply rubbing the as-prepared films. Rubbing makes the change of morphologies of the films and leads to the tuning of adhesion. This morphology-dependent adhesive property is attributed to the difference in kinetic barriers resulting from the contact-state change. This simple and practical method can provide an important strategy for the adhesion adjustment on superhydrophobic surfaces.

► This paper presents a novel physically rubbing way achieve adhesion force change of superhydrophobic films.
► We have studied the superhydrophobic properties of the films.
► These different superhydrophobic phenomena were explained by Cassie’s theory and Wenzel’s theory.