Fabrication of superhydrophobic hybrids from multiwalled carbon nanotubes and poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Superhydrophobic multiwalled carbon nanotube(MWCNT)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hybrids were successfully prepared through a facile solution method. This method involved the phase separation during the deposition of PVDF from its DMF solution by non-solvent water in the presence of MWCNTs. The phase structures were controlled by the content of MWCNTs. The rough surface with porous structures was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of MWCNT on water contact angle (CA) of MWCNT/PVDF hybrids has been investigated. With increasing the MWCNT content, the water CA of MWCNT/PVDF hybrids increased. Potential applications of these superhydrophobic materials to make large area superhydrophobic coatings have been proposed.

This study demonstrated a facile method to fabricate superhydrophobic porous coatings of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) via phase-separation method.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) form superhydrophobic hybrids.
► Water contact angle up to 166°.
► Effect of hybrid composition on water contact angle and surface microstructure.
► Potential application for large-area superhydrophobic coating.