One-step preparation of hierarchical cobalt structure with inborn superhydrophobic effect

Cobalt hierarchical structure having intrinsic superhydrophobic property is prepared via an electrochemical growth approach. The structure exhibits aesthetic flower-like morphology. A quenching strategy is employed to elucidate the plausible crystal growth mechanism. Without further hydrophobic organic molecule modification, the hierarchical structure occupying surface exhibits superhydrophobic effect, which is a new superhydrophobicity example achieved from the hydrophilic material. An approach based on computer graphics is utilized to simulate the contact pattern on this non-Euclidean hierarchical structure.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Flower-like cobalt crystal is prepared by electrochemical method without surfactant and template. ▶ Crystal growth mechanism is elucidated in detail. ▶ Without any surface modification to the surface, the structure exhibits intrinsic superhydrophobicity property. ▶ The superhydrophobicity is simulated with computer graphics technique.