Superhydrophobic and oleophilic micro‐nano hierarchical Pd‐decorated SiO2 layers.

Abstract: This paper reports a novel fluorinated micro‐nano hierarchical Pd‐decorated SiO2 structure (hereafter called Pd/SiO2), which was formed by the deposition of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on SiO2 microspheres. The SiO2 layers with microscale roughness were fabricated by electrospraying a solution prepared using the sol‐gel process. Subsequently, the Pd NPs were deposited using an ultraviolet reduction process. The resulting surfaces exhibited a micro‐nano hierarchical morphology. After fluorination, the micro‐nano hierarchical surface exhibited outstanding water repellency with a water contact angle (WCA) of 170° and a sliding angle <5°, indicating excellent superhydrophobic properties. The layers exhibited good long‐term durability and excellent ultraviolet resistance. Interestingly, the surface was oleophilic (CA of oil ~10°). These results show the potential of employing superhydrophobic fluorinated Pd/SiO2 layers in smart devices, such as self‐cleanable surfaces and intelligent water/oil separation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]