Recent Advances in Superhydrophobic Materials Development for Maritime Applications

Abstract

Underwater superhydrophobic surfaces stand as a promising frontier in materials science, holding immense potential for applications in underwater infrastructure, vehicles, pipelines, robots, and sensors. Despite this potential, widespread commercial adoption of these surfaces faces limitations, primarily rooted in challenges related to material durability and the stability of the air plastron during prolonged submersion. Factors such as pressure, flow, and temperature further complicate the operational viability of underwater superhydrophobic technology. This comprehensive review navigates the evolving landscape of underwater superhydrophobic technology, providing a deep dive into the introduction, advancements, and innovations in design, fabrication, and testing techniques. Recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology, magnetic‐responsive coatings, additive manufacturing, and machine learning are highlighted, showcasing the diverse avenues of progress. Notable research endeavors concentrate on enhancing the longevity of plastrons, the fundamental element governing superhydrophobic behavior. The review explores the multifaceted applications of superhydrophobic coatings in the underwater environment, encompassing areas such as drag reduction, anti‐biofouling, and corrosion resistance. A critical examination of commercial offerings in the superhydrophobic coating landscape offers a current perspective on available solutions. In conclusion, the review provides valuable insights and forward‐looking recommendations to propel the field of underwater superhydrophobicity toward new dimensions of innovation and practical utility.

Superhydrophobic Polysilsesquioxane Nanospike/Glass Microfiber Composite for Separation of Oil–Water Mixtures

“…Superhydrophobic surfaces, exemplified by nature’s ingenuity as can be seen in the self-cleaning properties of the lotus leaf, represent a significant advancement in the field of materials science. − These surfaces efficiently repel water due to their unique micro and nanostructured compositions, paving the way for innovative applications. , From enhancing energy conservation and promoting ecological sustainability to revolutionizing industrial processes, superhydrophobic materials integrate nature’s wisdom with modern technological advances . For instance, in maritime applications, the implementation of superhydrophobic coatings on ship hulls shows promise in substantially reducing hydrodynamic drag. , In the biomedical field, the development of antibacterial coatings leveraging superhydrophobic properties could significantly decrease the risk of hospital-acquired infections, thereby improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs. , Moreover, the environmental sector stands to benefit greatly from superhydrophobic technologies, particularly in the efficient cleanup of oil spills, which pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. − …”

“…6 For instance, in maritime applications, the implementation of superhydrophobic coatings on ship hulls shows promise in substantially reducing hydrodynamic drag. 7,8 In the biomedical field, the development of antibacterial coatings leveraging superhydrophobic properties could significantly decrease the risk of hospital-acquired infections, thereby improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs. 9,10 Moreover, the environmental sector stands to benefit greatly from superhydrophobic technologies, particularly in the efficient cleanup of oil spills, which pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.…”

Self-Driven Gas Spreading on Mesh Surfaces for Regeneration of Underwater Superhydrophobicity

“…The aquatic plant Salvinia preserves the plastron for a long duration by pinning the water–air interface by the hydrophilic tips on its hydrophobic leaves . Due to the hydrophobic property and micro/nanostructures on the surface, these superhydrophobic surfaces are capable of trapping a plastron, which has garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in various nonwetting-related fields, including drag reduction, − antifouling, − wearable devices, − collection, and anti-icing. − …”

Combined Machine Learning and High-Throughput Calculations Predict Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof Band Gap of 2D Materials and Potential MoSi2N4 Heterostructures

“…Moreover, ML has gained extensive traction across a multitude of fields, notably in high-energy physics, 20 drug design, 21 medical diagnosis, 22 chip design, 23 and new materials design. 24 This broad adoption across diverse disciplines is expediting the convergence of distinct knowledge domains and driving further innovation. However, there are many possible MSN/2D heterostructures, which have not been identified yet.…”

“…Machine learning aims to enable computers to learn from data, enhance task performance, and make precise predictions or decisions without explicit programming. Moreover, ML has gained extensive traction across a multitude of fields, notably in high-energy physics, drug design, medical diagnosis, chip design, and new materials design . This broad adoption across diverse disciplines is expediting the convergence of distinct knowledge domains and driving further innovation.…”