Layer-by-layer fabrication of broad-band superhydrophobic antireflection coatings in near-infrared region

Broad-band superhydrophobic antireflective (AR) coatings in near infrared (NIR) region were readily fabricated on silicon or quartz substrates by a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. First, a porous poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)/SiO2 nanoparticle multilayer coating with AR property was prepared by LbL deposition of PDDA and 200 nm SiO2 nanoparticles. PDDA was then alternately assembled with sodium silicate on the PDDA/SiO2 nanoparticle coating to prepare a two-level hierarchical surface. Superhydrophobic AR coating with a water contact angle of 154 degrees was finally obtained after chemical vapor deposition of a layer of fluoroalkylsilane on the hierarchical surface. Quartz substrate with the as-fabricated superhydrophobic AR coating has a maximal transmittance above 98% of incidence light in the NIR region, which is increased by five percent compared with bare quartz substrate. Simultaneously, the superhydrophobic property endows the AR coating with water-repellent ability. Such superhydrophobic AR coatings can effectively avoid the disturbance of water vapor on their AR property and are expected to be applicable under humid environments. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.