Liquid/solid contact mode of super-hydrophobic film in aqueous solution and its effect on corrosion resistance

Synthesised 3-undecyl-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (UAMT) was used to fabricate super-hydrophobic film on copper (Cu) using the one-step electrolysis method. The resultant layer formed from the alkyl-amino-mercapto-triazole-Cu(I) through precipitation mechanism. Super-hydrophobic film can contact with NaCl solution in two different modes (i.e., Cassie and Wenzel modes) depending on its immersion depth. Its corrosion protection mechanism varies with the contact mode. The film contacting with NaCl solution in the Cassie mode presents better protection effect due to the air trapped. It can remain stable within a wide potential range because of its excellent corrosion protection property and chemical stability.

► Super-hydrophobic film was prepared on copper surface using electrolysis method.
► The possible contact modes of super-hydrophobic film in solution are illuminated.
► The protection effect of the film with different contact modes is compared.