An underwater stable superhydrophobic surface for robust ultra-long-lasting biofouling resistance

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2023-04, Vol.462, p.142091, Article 142091
• Main Authors: Wu, Xinghua, Xiao, Minghao, Zhang, Junting, Tan, Guohuang, Pan, Yutong, Lai, Yuekun, Chen, Zhong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-biofouling; Chemical stability; Cytotoxicity; Mechanical stability; Superhydrophobicity; Underwater
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.142091

[Display omitted] •A smart triple-layer structure was developed to stabilize candle soot (CS) networks.•The surface presents stable underwater superhydrophobicity.•The surface could withstand water flush and biological attacks for more than 35 days.•The surface demonstrated good chemical resistance and mechanical stability.•The surface is biocompatible and presents long-time anti-biofouling properties. An underwater stable superhydrophobic surface that displays a very low affinity to water and microorganisms is urgently required in marine engineering and offshore constructions. In this study, we demonstrated an underwater stable superhydrophobic surface with pressure resistance, chemical stability, biocompatibility, and biofouling resistance. The surface demonstrated superhydrophobicity under a water pressure of 13.72 kPa for up to 27 days. To examine the anti-biofouling property of the surface, the as-prepared samples were submerged in a natural lake for 50 days. The surface could withstand water flush and biological attacks for more than 35 days. The mechanical stability of the surface was evaluated by a sandpaper scratching test. An abrasion length of 12 m would not decrease the water contact angle of the surface, which is superior over the state-of-the-art coatings based on candle soot networks. The stable long-lasting underwater superhydrophobic surface is of great importance to marine applications.