Enhanced water droplet mobility on superhydrophobic rippled nanoshell array

Abstract

A 3-dimensional rippled nanoshell structure (a hollow pillar with wriggly sidewall morphology) is demonstrated for superhydrophobicity. As a control group, a straight nanoshell structure without a rippled shape was also prepared. The rippled structure showed improved superhydrophobicity with a large contact angle and a small sliding angle compared to the straight nanoshell structure. These enhancements originate from the minimum of interfacial energy at the triple-phase contact line, which is located at the most protruded circular line along the rippled structure. Using a drop impingement test, the stabilization of a Cassie Baxter state on the rippled structure was also verified. The experimental observation of wetting transition from a Cassie-Baxter to a Wenzel state is well explained by a revamped capillary pressure model, which was customized for the rippled structure. Published by AIP Publishing.