Enhanced hydrophobicity of CeO2 thin films: Role of the morphology, adsorbed species and crystallography

Prevention of uropathogenic E. coli biofilm formation by hydrophobic nanoparticle coatings on polymeric substrates

“…CeO 2 nanoparticle coatings were deposited directly by FSP onto catheter-mimicking surfaces (30 μm thick PDMS-coated Si substrates 5 × 5 mm). Subsequent vapour phase deposition of silicone oil was performed to render the coatings superhydrophobic as described by Mamedov et al 22 To control the vapour phase deposition of hydrophobic molecules onto the CeO 2 surface, the substrates are placed inside a sealed vessel together with a vial of silicone oil in a furnace at 120 °C for <2 h. The elevated temperatures enable an increased concentration of silicone oil in the vapour phase which can subsequently deposit onto the CeO 2 surface due to the high affinity of CeO 2 towards organic molecules (please see the ESI, † Fig. S1 for an overview of this process).…”