One-step electrodeposition process to fabricate cathodic superhydrophobic surface

In this work, a rapid one-step process is developed to fabricate superhydrophobic cathodic surface by electrodepositing copper plate in an electrolyte solution containing manganese chloride (MnCl2·4H2O), myristic acid (CH3(CH2)12COOH) and ethanol. The superhydrophobic surfaces were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The shortest electrolysis time for fabricating a superhydrophobic surface is about 1 min, the measured maximum contact angle is 163° and rolling angle is less than 3°. Furthermore, this method can be easily extended to other conductive materials. The approach is time-saving and cheap, and it is supposed to have a promising future in industrial fields.

► A superhydrophobic surface on the cathodic electrode had been fabricated by a one-step electrodeposition process. ► The prepared surface has a high water contact angle of 163° and a low rolling angle of less than 3°. ► The needed minimum electrolytic time is largely shortened to 1 min, and have a promising future in industrial fields.