AlPO₄ film with rose surface structure: One‐step coating process, superhydrophilic and rapid super‐spreading

Abstract

The construction of superhydrophilic surface structure usually requires auxiliary means with the aid of equipment or templates, and so on, which leads to the disadvantages of complicated production processes and high production costs. Here, we report a simple and rapid sol‐gel process to prepare large‐area, rose‐like AlPO4 arrays through precise control of the low‐temperature self‐assembly process. The innovative application of AlPO4 array membrane to the superhydrophilic field, achieves a contact angle of less than 5° with 4 μL of water in 10 ms. The prepared AlPO4 superhydrophilic coated glass has good visible light transmittance, good wear resistance and durability. In addition, the morphology and size of AlPO4 array depend on the low temperature process and the composition of the sol, which can be adjusted by controlling the process. The study of this wet chemical route will provide useful information for the design and preparation of biomimetic micro‐nano structures.