Superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces using ZnO nano-in-micro hierarchical structures

• ZnO nano-in-micro hierarchical structures were fabricated by using nano imprint.
• The ZnO nano-in-micro hierarchical structure showed practical self-cleaning effects.
• The ZnO nano-in-micro hierarchical structure showed a high degree of superhydrophobicity.

We have developed superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces based on ZnO nano-in-micro hierarchical structures on various large-area substrates. To fabricate the surfaces, ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography, a simple process enabling large-area patterning, was used in combination with hydrothermal synthesis. The wetting properties of the surfaces were analyzed by contact and sliding angle measurements with various solvents and by experiments determining self-cleaning properties. These analyses confirmed the superhydrophobicity and superoleophobicity of the fabricated surfaces.

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