Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Nanostructures on Glass Surfaces Using Hydrogen Fluoride Gas

Water-repellent glass surfaces have become increasingly important to ensure clear visibility in outdoor cameras, sensors, and automotive windows. In this study, we investigated a process for the formation of nanoscale structures on a glass surface using chemical reactions with hydrogen fluoride gas. Using this approach, nanostructures with superhydrophobicity, superhydrophilicity, and antireflective properties were formed on glass surfaces with minimal processing time. This mask-free method, working at atmospheric pressure, can be efficiently integrated within the float process, a mainstream manufacturing technique for flat glass, to introduce nanostructures onto the glass surface. Notably, after treatment with (1-H, 1-H, 2-H, 2-H-tridecafluorooctyl)trimethoxysilane (FAS-13), a typical hydrophobic agent, the resulting surface exhibited a maximum water contact angle of 162 degrees. Owing to its low reflectivity and superhydrophobicity, this surface is anticipated to find applications in not only the design of architectural window glass and vehicle windows but also the development of solar panels and sensor cover glass for autonomous vehicles.