Research progress and application of superhydrophobic nano-coating technology

Inspired by natural phenomena such as the lotus leaf and rose petal, superhydrophobic coatings have found widespread applications in areas such as self-cleaning, oil-water separation and anti-icing. However, traditional superhydrophobic coatings rely on surface microscale roughness and specialized coating materials, resulting in complex fabrication processes, poor durability and inadequate corrosion resistance. In contrast, superhydrophobic nano-coatings, due to their unique morphology and functionality, offer multifunctionality, universality, durability and high efficiency. This article provided an overview of the design and fabrication of superhydrophobic nano-coatings using various nanomaterials in recent years. It evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of different superhydrophobic nano-coatings and briefly outlined their potential applications in various fields, such as antimicrobial surfaces, sensors, microfluidics, catalysis and more. Finally, the article presented the latest developments and future trends in the use of nanotechnology for superhydrophobic coatings. By exploring innovative fabrication strategies and investigating the unique properties of these coatings, this review aimed to provide researchers in the field with valuable theoretical and technical insights, promoting the widespread application of superhydrophobic nano-coatings across multiple domains. © 2024 Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd.. All rights reserved.