Multi-walled carbon nanotubes enhanced superhydrophobic MWCNTs-Co/a-C:H carbon-based film for excellent self-cleaning and corrosion resistance

• Published in: Diamond and related materials 2018-06, Vol.86, p.87-97
• Main Authors: Zhu, Xiaobo, Zhou, Shengguo, Yan, Qingqing, Wang, Shuncai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Cleaning; Contact angle; Corrosion prevention; Corrosion resistance; Hydrophobic surfaces; Hydrophobicity; Microstructure; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; MWCNTs-Co/a-C:H; Nanotubes; Self-cleaning; Ship hulls; Superhydrophobic
• ISSN: 0925-9635; 1879-0062
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2018.04.021

A robust superhydrophobic MWCNTs-Co/a-C:H carbon-based film was successfully fabricated for the first time by a safe technology, namely electrochemical deposition. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Co nano-particles were confirmed to tailor a micro-nanoscale hierarchical surface and nanocrystallite/amorphous microstructure. The resulting MWCNTs-Co/a-C:H carbon-based film exhibited complete water repellency with the contact angle (158.1°) and much smaller sliding angle (2.98°), fairly strong mechanical property, excellent corrosion resistance and self-cleaning ability. This research highlights a promising route for the preparation of robust superhydrophobic film, providing potential uses including self-cleaning, antifouling and anti-corrosion applications such as ship hulls and aeroplane wings. Novel superhydrophobic MWCNTs-Co/a-C:H carbon-based film. [Display omitted] •MWCNTs and Co nano-particles tailored a micro-nanoscale hierarchical surface and nanocrystallite/amorphous microstructure.•MWCNTs-Co/a-C:H film presented excellent superhydrophobicity with the contact angle of 158.1° and a sliding angle of 2.98°.•The robust superhydrophobic MWCNTs-Co/a-C:H film achieved excellent self-cleaning and anti-corrosion behaviors.