Development of a simple method for the fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with NH4VO3 and SiO2

Ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) and SiO2 are employed to develop a simple method to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces. With the combination of the composite and low surface energy of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilanes, the static contact angle (CA) for such prepared surfaces is observed over 167°, and the contact angle hysteresis (CAH) is as low as 3°. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images reveal that a hierarchical structure on the thin films has been achieved. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) indicate the ingredients of the hierarchical structure. Furthermore, a clear parametric dependence of the high CA and low CAH on the structure is observed.

► NH4VO3 and SiO2 used for superhydorphobicity; ► Contact angle is 167°; ► Contact angle hysteresis is 3°.