Nanoparticle covered surfaces: An efficient way to enhance superhydrophobic properties

Surface post-functionalization is one of the key modification pathways leading to superhydrophobic surfaces. The functionalization is deeply linked to the functionalizable area and the number of functionalizable groups. By grafting functional nanoparticles onto surfaces it is possible to dramatically increase both the area and the number of functionalizable groups. In this work, we report the elaboration of platform surfaces for direct functionalization by grafting nanoparticles and functionalization using the Huisgen reaction. The surfaces were functionalized with various hydrophobic side chain including alkyl, aryl and perfluorinated chains. The modified surfaces have enhanced hydrophobic, parahydrophobic or superhydrophobic properties. The surfaces were investigated for their wettability, morphology and roughness. This work shows that the use of nanoparticles to increase functionalizable surface area can highly enhance surface hydrophobic properties.