Bioinspired Design, Preparation Technologies and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials: From Theoretical Fundamentals to Industrial Prospects

Shangkun Wu

doi:10.47297/taposatWSP2633-456931.20250610

PDF
Export
Share
Collection
Album

Bioinspired Design, Preparation Technologies and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials: From Theoretical Fundamentals to Industrial Prospects

Volume 6, Issue 10

Views: 0 Downloads: 0

Bioinspired Design, Preparation Technologies and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials: From Theoretical Fundamentals to Industrial Prospects
Bioinspired Design, Preparation Technologies and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials: From Theoretical Fundamentals to Industrial Prospects
School of Management,Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201620, China
Vol. 6, Issue 10, Pages: 154-159(2025)
Published：30 October 2025
DOI：10.47297/taposatWSP2633-456931.20250610
Accepted：

Scan QR Code

Wu Shangkun.Bioinspired Design, Preparation Technologies and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials: From Theoretical Fundamentals to Industrial Prospects[J].Theory and Practice of Science and Technology,2025,06(10):154-159.
DOI：

Wu Shangkun.Bioinspired Design, Preparation Technologies and Applications of Superhydrophobic Materials: From Theoretical Fundamentals to Industrial Prospects[J].Theory and Practice of Science and Technology,2025,06(10):154-159. DOI： 10.47297/taposatWSP2633-456931.20250610.

摘要

Abstract

Since Barthlott et al. revealed the microscopic mechanism of lotus leaves' "self-cleaning" superhydrophobicity in 1997

superhydrophobic materials (with water contact angle > 150° and rolling angle < 10°) have become a research hotspot in interface science and materials engineering. However

they face critical bottlenecks: laboratory preparation methods (e.g.

precise templating) are hard to scale up

mechanical durability is insufficient (contact angle decreases significantly after sandpaper friction)

and traditional low-surface-energy materials containing fluorine or silicon pose environmental risks and cost issues. This paper reviews superhydrophobic materials from four dimensions: theoretical basis

preparation technology

performance regulation

and application scenarios

while analyzing challenges and proposing prospects. The theoretical basis integrates classical wetting theories (Young equation

Wenzel model

Cassie-Baxter model) and the biomimetic binary synergistic complementary principle (cooperation of multi-scale rough structures and low-surface-energy chemistry). Preparation technologies include the biomimetic template method (replicating natural structures)

phase separation method (constructing porous rough structures via polymer-solvent separation)

and spraying/coating method (rapidly building rough coatings with low-surface-energy materials and nanoparticles). Performance regulation is achieved by optimizing microscopic structures (e.g.

"micrometer-nanometer" hierarchical design) and modifying surface chemistry (e.g.

plasma treatment

sol-gel method) to control contact angle

rolling angle

and stability. Applications span self-cleaning (e.g.

architectural glass coatings)

oil-water separation (e.g.

superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic netting)

and dry-style antifogging (via biomimetic hierarchical structures). Current challenges (e.g.

insufficient mechanical durability) are discussed

and future prospects are proposed: innovating surfactants for efficient CO₂ utilization in emulsions

applying 3D printing to fabricate precise biomimetic microstructures

and integrating multifunctionality (e.g.

superomniphobicity

high-temperature resistance

antifouling). This work aims to provide a framework for advancing superhydrophobic materials' research and industrialization.

关键词

Keywords

references

Jiang Lei. (2003). From Nature to Bionic Superhydrophobic Nanoscale Interface Materials. Chemical Industry & Engineering Progress, (12), 1258-1264.

Wang Ting, Gao Kun, Zhong Sai Nan & Zhang Zhao. (2024). Research Progress on Hydrophobic Modification of Polyurethane Coatings. Chinese Journal of Corrosion and Protection, 44(04), 823-834.

Cui Xiaosong, Yao Xi, Liu Haihua, Fang Guoping, Li Wen & Jiang Lei. (2009). Design and Preparation of Micro-Nano Structures on Superhydrophobic Surfaces and Regulation of Wetting Behavior (Ⅰ). Chinese Materials Progress, 28(12), 41-52.

Ju, J., Bai, H., Zheng, Y., Zhao, T., Fang, R., & Jiang, L. (2012). A multi-structural and multi-functional integrated fog collection system in cactus. Nature Communications, 3(1), 1247.

Zheng, Y., Bai, H., Huang, Z., Tian, X., Nie, F.-Q., Zhao, Y., Zhai, J., & Jiang, L. (2010). Directional water collection on wetted spider silk. Nature, 463(7281), 640-643.

Li Huanjun, Wang Xianbao, Song Yanlin, Liu Yunqi, Li Qianshu, Jiang Lei, Zhu Daoben. (2001). Superhydrophobic Porous Array Carbon Nanotube Films. Journal of Higher Education Chemistry, (05), 759-761. .

Feng Lin, Jiang Lei. (2005). Preparation and Research on Superhydrophobic Nanoscale Interface Materials (in English). Journal of the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, (01), 106-109.

Ma Ying, Ma Yongmei, Cao Xinyu, Zou Hong & Jiang Lei. (2006). Research on the Simple Preparation Method of Superhydrophobic Plastic Films. Plastics, (05), 39-42 + 96.

Wang Qi, Peng Mengyuan, Wang Xiaopeng, Sha Min, Zhang Ding & Jiang Biao. (2025). Preparation and Properties of Superhydrophobic Multilayer Coatings Based on Organic PolySilazane. Journal of Silica Science, 53(08), 2248-2263.

Qu Ailan, Wen Xiufang, Pi Pihui, Cheng Jiang & Yang Zhuolu. (2006). Research Progress of Superhydrophobic Coatings. Chemical Advances, (11), 1434-1439.

Ma Xiaomeng. (2019). Preparation of Superhydrophobic Membrane Materials and Their Application in Oil-Water Separation (Master's Thesis, Wuhan University of Technology). Master's Degree.

Gao, X., Yan, X., Yao, X., Xu, L., Zhang, K., Zhang, J., Yang, B., & Jiang, L. (2007). The dry-style antifogging properties of mosquito compound eyes and artificial analogues prepared by soft lithography. Advanced Materials, 19(17), 2213 - 2217.

Fang Shuyi. (2017). Synthesis, Characterization of Hydrocarbon-Based Surfactants Containing Polyvinyl Acetate Chains and Construction of C/W Emulsion (Master's Thesis, East China University of Science and Technology). Master's Degree https://kns.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=m8Pzpa6JQHI_RgYxYjJx4gHTqgxheVp_4Dzc6YJ0c03JYBBaufnCpFVKaQrZh2Q4y4whudUTxb3-HjgcyvrT970zo0RcMTG0XQjlMl1U-Pw3VKFGF6GBDV9VicvlaolpWjBDEuJrH2OTS4mk3SmD-bCeFNrHfSvp_Bwq9UDYoOYrQBIUNs0lUg==&uniplatform=NZKPT&language=CHS.

Yang, Y., Li, X., Zheng, X., Chen, Z., Zhou, Q., & Chen, Y. (2018). 3D-Printed Biomimetic Super-Hydrophobic Structure for Microdroplet Manipulation and Oil/Water Separation. Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.), 30(9), 10.1002/adma.201704912.

Liu, T. L., & Kim, C. J. (2014). Repellent surfaces. Turning a surface superrepellent even to completely wetting liquids. Science (New York, N.Y.), 346(6213), 1096–1100.