A rapid one-step process for fabrication of superhydrophobic surface by electrodeposition method

Superhydrophobic surfaces are commonly prepared by a combination of low surface energy materials and micro/nano structures. In this work, a rapid one-step electrodepositing process is developed to fabricate superhydrophobic cathodic surface by copper plate in an electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride(NiCl2·6H2O), myristic acid and ethanol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and contact angle measurement have been performed to characterize the morphological features, chemical composition and superhydrophobicity property. The results demonstrate that the micro/nano scales cauliflower-like structure are composed of Ni crystals and Ni[CH3(CH2)12COO]2 crystals. The maximum contact angle is about 164° and rolling angle is less than 2°. The needed electrolytic time is largely shortened to 1 min. This method is rapid, easy and effective, and it will have great prospects for industrial applications.