Recent Progress in Self-Cleaning Materials with Different Suitable Applications

Abstract

Self-cleaning properties have received significant attention for the importance of their potential. Coatings at Nano-scales offer possibilities of using materials for self-cleaning surfaces. Recent efforts have begun to focus on the kinds of materials including metals, semiconductors and polymers. Such materials can have enormous potential in only a few applications. Moreover, the production of these materials requires high costs with low photo activity. In this regard, TiO 2 and its derived materials have shown acceptable and effective suggestions for this application. Moreover, the mechanism of self-cleaning has been explained by the effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic can have many applications in different areas like water purification, microfluidics and photovoltaic. In this review, the application of self-cleaning in solar cells and environment as well as TiO 2 derived materials and their applications in water management have been briefly illustrated. In addition, it has been explained that a huge number of self-cleaning materials, applications and improvement in utilities have been essential. In short, we have conducted a comprehensive review of the new approach and to mention numerous materials with hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties would be promising for most environmental concerns. Bio-inspired surface respond in nature through hydrophobic (Cicada Wing, Butterfly Wing, Lotus Leaf, Rice Leaf) and hydrophilic (Fish Scale, Snail Shell, Shark Skin) properties was divided in 4 and 3 respectively. Anti reflective coatings with self-cleaning properties have drowned considerable attention for both their basic appearances and vast applied usages. Antireflective coatings with self-cleaning properties have been considered because of their fascinating features and vast diversity of empirical uses.

Silica-Based Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic Cotton Fabric with Enhanced Self-Cleaning Properties for Oil–Water Separation and Methylene Blue Degradation

“…Several inorganic materials are utilized for cotton fabric surface modification, such as SiO 2 , ZnO, TiO 2 , etc. These nanomaterials enhance fabrics’ surface roughness through their inherent characteristics . Several hydrophobic reagents, like polysilane, cetyl alcohol, long-chain acid, hydrophobic polymers, and long-chain amine, are also used for fabric surface modification. − Berendjchi et al modified the cotton fabric using silica nanoparticles combined with ZnO nanorods and n -dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS).…”

Synthesis of Carbonaceous Hydrophobic Layers through a Flame Deposition Process

“…In the Cassie-Baxter state, the water droplet can freely and easily move across the material; this characteristic is utilized in many applications, such as self-cleaning materials, corrosion prevention, anti-fouling, microfluidic controls, aviation, etc. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

Self-Cleaning Coatings and Surfaces of Modern Building Materials for the Removal of Some Air Pollutants

“…Based on the literature data, the following types of self-cleaning building materials surfaces can be distinguished: Oleophobic/superhydrophobic with a contact angle >150° and reducing the amount of adsorbed soil [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]; Hydrophilic/super hydrophilic having a contact angle <10° and facilitating the removal of water pollution, e.g., during rainfall [ 5 ]; Oleophobic-hydrophilic with a contact angle <10° for water and an angle >150° for non-polar substances, which reduces the amount of adsorbed dirt and facilitates the removal of impurities [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]; Photocatalytic containing additives decomposing impurities. …”

“…Hydrophilic/super hydrophilic having a contact angle <10° and facilitating the removal of water pollution, e.g., during rainfall [ 5 ];…”