Superhydrophobic surfaces using selected zinc oxide microrod growth on ink-jetted patterns

The synthesis and properties of superhydrophobic surfaces based on binary surface topography made of zinc oxide (ZnO) microrod-decorated micropatterns are reported. ZnO is intrinsically hydrophilic but can be utilized to create hydrophobic surfaces by creating artificial roughness via microstructuring. Micron scale patterns consisting of nanocrystalline ZnO seed particles were applied to glass substrates with a modified ink-jet printer. Microrods were then grown on the patterns by a hydrothermal process without any further chemical modification. Water contact angle (WCA)1 up to 153° was achieved. Different micro array patterned surfaces with varying response of static contact angle or sessile droplet analysis are reported.

Inspired by the lotus leaf structure, binary topography was created using zinc oxide (ZnO) microrods. These were patterned through ink-jetting of ZnO seeds on a substrate followed by the selective hydrothermal growth of the microrods on the seeded bumps. Microbumps of 150 μm diameter separated from each other by 50 μm, yielded a water contact angle of 153°.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (53 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Mimicking the lotus leaf structure using naturally hydrophilic material.
► Artificial superhydrophobic surfaces decorated with zinc oxide (ZnO) microrods on ink-jetted micropatterned arrays.
► Clean and green technology for large area applications.
► Nature to engineering through appropriate application of science.