Rapid and reversible switching between superoleophobicity and superoleophilicity in response to counterion exchange

We use a simple layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly and counterion exchange technology to rapidly and reversibly manipulate the oleophobicity of the textured aluminum surfaces. Such textured surfaces can be produced by the HCl etching and boiling water treatment of the flat aluminum plates. The LbL deposition of polyelectrolytes is performed on these surfaces to generate the polyelectrolyte multilayer films. The films are able to coordinate with perfluorooctanoate anions, leading to the surfaces with different oleophobicity. The resulting surface produced by 1.5 cycles of polyelectrolyte deposition exhibits superoleophobicity by displaying contact angles greater than 150° with low surface tension liquids. Counterion exchange in this polyelectrolyte multilayer emerged easily to control the surface composition, which leads to tunable wettability that can be rapidly and reversibly switched between superoleophobicity and superoleophilicity.

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► We use layer-by-layer assembly technology to fabricate superoleophobic surfaces.
► The surface is produced by the etching and boiling water treatment of the aluminum.
► The number of polyelectrolyte deposition cycles has a great effect on oleophobicity.
► Surface oleophobicity can be rapidly and reversibly switched by counterion exchange.