Wettability evolution of different nanostructured cobalt films based on electrodeposition

Abstract

The wettability evolution of eight different types of nanostructured cobalt films is investigated using galvanostatic electrodeposition. The morphology, which evolves from a plump, pea‐like structure to cone, pyramid, shell, fluffy cone, fluffy shell and flower structures can be controlled by changing the anion type in the electrolyte or the deposition current density. A growth mechanism is proposed based on cathodic anomalous absorption theory, which explains both the influence of the anion type on the surface structure and the current‐dependent morphology evolution. The contact angle and sliding angle of all films are measured, and fractions of water drop contact area with the surrounding air are calculated to illustrate the roughness induced wettability. The hierarchical (nano and micro) structures exhibit eminent superhydrophobicity compared with single dimensional surfaces, indicating this as an effective way to prevent transition from Cassie–Baxter mode to Wenzel mode.

A Comprehensive Review of Wetting Transition Mechanism on the Surfaces of Microstructures from Theory and Testing Methods

“…Various biomimetic studies found that multi-scaled microstructures can enhance the hydrophobicity of natural surfaces, with a typical example of a lotus leaf [ 73 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 ]. It mainly includes two ways: 1. the droplet infiltrates the nanostructures, 2. multi-scaled microstructure provides more pinning points during the depinning stage.…”

Synthesis and characterisation of superhydrophobic CNC/ZnO nanocomposites by using stearic acid

“…Great achievements have been made in both theoretical research and practical construction. The scope of research has also expanded from the initial self-cleaning functional areas [6] to anti-fog [7], resistance reduction [8,9], corrosion prevention [10][11][12], anti-frozen [13], anti-adhesion [14,15] and other fields.…”

Influence of laser surface texturing on a low‐adhesion and superhydrophobic aluminium alloy surface

“…Naturally occurring surfaces vary widely in wettability, depending on their geometrical structure and chemical composition. In recent years, a number of techniques for preparing superhydrophobic surfaces have been developed, such as chemical etching [10, 11], electrodeposition [12, 13], flow plating [14], solution immersion [15], interference lithography [16] and High Speed‐Wire Cut Electrical Discharge Machining (HS‐WEDM) processing [17]. However, most of these methods are limited by their technical complexity and the need for expensive equipment, which greatly increase the final production costs.…”