Skip to main content
Log in

The preparation of superhydrophobic photocatalytic fluorosilicone/SiO2–TiO2 coating and its self-cleaning performance

  • Published:
Journal of Coatings Technology and Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, superhydrophobic photocatalytic fluorosilicone/SiO2–TiO2 (FSi/SiO2–TiO2) coatings were prepared. Evolutions of wettability and photocatalytic activities were explored by exposing a series of samples to UV irradiation and the outdoor environment. Their practical self-cleaning performances were also compared. The UV-irradiation test was carried out in an ultraviolet aging test chamber. Wetting properties, including water contact angles and sliding angles, were measured using a contact angle meter. A UV spectrophotometer was employed to detect and evaluate the coatings’ photocatalytic properties. Moreover, morphologies and surface roughness values were tested through field emission scanning electron microscope and optical profilometer, respectively. It is shown from experimental results that the coating series with more TiO2 addition amounts transform from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic in a shorter time. The coating with a more durable superhydrophobicity can maintain its initial wettability, while its photocatalytic property is superior to that of a hydrophobic coating. Mechanisms were put forward through analyzing the coating microstructures. It is considered that the superhydrophobic coating with a Cassie–Baxter surface structure shows a better photocatalysis. Besides, it has been confirmed that the practical self-cleaning performance of the prepared superhydrophobic photocatalytic FSi/5TiO2–32SiO2 coating is better in comparison with superhydrophobic FSi/SiO2 and photoinduced superhydrophilic FSi/5TiO2–28SiO2 coatings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Milionis, A, Loth, E, Bayer, IS, “Recent Advances in the Mechanical Durability of Superhydrophobic Materials.” Adv. Colloid Interface Sci., 229 57–79 (2016)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Yu, N, Xiao, X, Ye, Z, Pan, G, “Facile Preparation of Durable Superhydrophobic Coating with Self-cleaning Property.” Surf. Coat. Technol., 347 199–208 (2018)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Ragesh, P, Ganesh, VA, Naira, SV, Nair, AS, “A Review on ‘Self-cleaning and Multifunctional Materials.’” J. Mater. Chem. A, 2 14773–14797 (2014)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Wang, R, Hashimoto, K, Fujishima, A, Chikuni, M, Kojima, E, Kitamura, A, et al., “Light-Induced Amphiphilic Surfaces.” Nature, 388 (6641) 431–432 (1997)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Liu, K, Tian, Y, Jiang, L, “Bio-inspired Superoleophobic and Smart Materials: Design, Fabrication, and Application.” Prog. Mater. Sci., 58 (4) 503–564 (2013)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Makaryan, IA, Sedov, IV, Mozhaev, PS, “Current State and Prospects of Development of Technologies for the Production of Superhydrophobic Materials and Coatings.” Nanotechnol. Russ., 11 (11–12) 679–695 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Nguyen-Tri, P, Tran, HN, Plamondonc, CO, et al., “Recent Progress in the Preparation, Properties and Applications of Superhydrophobic Nano-based Coatings and Surfaces: A Review.” Prog. Org. Coat., 132 235–256 (2019)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Lu, Y, et al., “Robust Self-cleaning Surfaces that Function When Exposed to Either Air or Oil.” Science, 347 (6226) 1132–1135 (2015)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Xie, WY, et al., “A Superhydrophobic and Self-cleaning Photoluminescent Protein Film with High Weatherability.” Chem. Eng. J., 326 436–442 (2017)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Bakea, A, Merah, N, Matin, A, Gondal, M, Qahtan, T, Abu-Dheir, N, “Preparation of Transparent and Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Self-cleaning Applications.” Prog. Org. Coat., 122 170–179 (2018)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Latthe, SS, Sutar, RS, Kodag, VS, et al., “Self-cleaning Superhydrophobic Coatings: Potential Industrial Applications.” Prog. Org. Coat., 128 52–58 (2019)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Bayer, I, “On the Durability and Wear Resistance of Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings.” Coatings, 7 (1) 12–35 (2017)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Latthe, SS, Terashima, C, Nakata, K, et al., “Superhydrophobic Surfaces Developed by Mimicking Hierarchical Surface Morphology of Lotus Leaf.” Molecules, 19 (4) 4256–4283 (2014)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Zhang, M, Feng, S, Wang, L, Zheng, Y, “Lotus Effect in Wetting and Self-cleaning.” Biotribology, 5 31–43 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Varshney, P, Lomga, J, Gupta, PK, Mohapatra, SS, Kumar, A, “Durable and Regenerable Superhydrophobic Coatings for Aluminium Surfaces with Excellent Self-cleaning and Anti-fogging Properties.” Tribol. Int., 119 38–44 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Zhang, X, Guo, Y, Zhang, Z, Zhang, P, “Self-cleaning Superhydrophobic Surface Based on Titanium Dioxide Nanowires Combined with Polydimethylsiloxane.” Appl. Surf. Sci., 284 319–323 (2013)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Pawar, PG, Xing, R, Kambale, RC, Kumar, AM, et al., “Polystyrene Assisted Superhydrophobic Silica Coatings with Surface Protection and Self-cleaning Approach.” Prog. Org. Coat., 105 235–244 (2017)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Zeng, W, Chen, J, Yang, H, Deng, L, “Robust Coating with Superhydrophobic and Self-cleaning Properties in Either Air or Oil Based on Natural Zeolite.” Surf. Coat. Technol., 309 1045–1051 (2017)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Cully, P, Karasu, F, Müller, L, Jauzein, T, Leterrier, Y, “Self-cleaning and Wear-Resistant Polymer Nanocomposite Surfaces.” Surf. Coat. Technol., 348 111–120 (2018)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Zheng, S, Li, C, Fu, Q, Hua, W, Xiang, T, et al., “Development of Stable Superhydrophobic Coatings on Aluminum Surface for Corrosion-Resistant, Self-cleaning, and Anti-icing Applications.” Mater. Des., 93 261–270 (2016)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Li, X, Li, H, Huang, K, Zou, H, et al., “Durable Superamphiphobic Nano-silica/Epoxy Composite Coating via Coaxial Electrospraying Method.” Appl. Surf. Sci., 436 283–292 (2018)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Chen, L, Guo, Z, Liu, W, “Biomimetic Multi-functional Superamphiphobic FOTS–TiO2 Particles Beyond Lotus Leaf.” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 8 27188–27198 (2016)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Nakata, K, Fujishima, A, “TiO2 Photocatalysis: Design and Applications.” J. Photochem. Photobiol. C Photochem. Rev., 13 169–189 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Ding, X, Zhou, S, Wu, L, Gu, G, et al., “Formation of Supra-amphiphilic Self-cleaning Surface Through Sun-Illumination of Titania-Based Nanocomposite Coatings.” Surf. Coat. Technol., 205 2554–2561 (2010)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Xie, W, Xiao, X, Zhao, Y, Zhang, W, “Preparation of Hydrophobic SiO2@(TiO2/MoS2) Composite Film and Its Self-cleaning Properties.” J. Coat. Technol. Res., 14 (1) 1–12 (2017)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Kim, SM, In, I, Park, SY, “Study of Photo-induced Hydrophilicity and Self-cleaning Property of Glass Surfaces Immobilized with TiO2 Nanoparticles Using Catechol Chemistry.” Surf. Coat. Technol., 294 75–82 (2016)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Chekini, M, Mohammadizadeh, MR, Allaei, SMV, “Photocatalytic and Superhydrophilicity Properties of N-Doped TiO2 Nanothin Films.” Appl. Surf. Sci., 257 7179–7183 (2011)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Byrne, C, Subramanian, G, Pillai, SC, “Recent Advances in Photocatalysis for Environmental Applications.” J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 6 3531–3555 (2018)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Stepien, M, Saarinen, JJ, Teisal, H, Tuominen, M, et al., “Surface Chemical Analysis of Photocatalytic Wettability Conversion of TiO2 Nanoparticle Coating.” Surf. Coat. Technol., 208 73–79 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Li, W, Guo, T, Meng, T, Huang, Y, et al., “Enhanced Reversible Wettability Conversion of Micro-nano Hierarchical TiO2/SiO2 Composite Films Under UV Irradiation.” Appl. Surf. Sci., 283 12–18 (2013)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Miyauchi, M, Kied, N, Hishit, S, Mitsuhashi, T, “Reversible Wettability Control of TiO2 Surface by Light Irradiation.” Surf. Sci., 511 401–407 (2002)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Ding, Y, Xu, B, Ge, F, Cai, Z, “Robust Superhydrophobic, and Photocatalytic Cotton Fabrics Based on TiO2–SiO2–PDMS Composite Coating.” Key Eng. Mater., 671 225–230 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Xu, QF, Liu, Y, Lin, F-J, Mondal, B, Lyons, AM, “Superhydrophobic TiO2−Polymer Nanocomposite Surface with UV Induced Reversible Wettability and Self-cleaning Properties.” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 5 8915–8924 (2013)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Crick, CR, Bear, JC, Kafizas, A, Parkin, IP, “Superhydrophobic Photocatalytic Surfaces Through Direct Incorporation of Titania Nanoparticles into a Polymer Matrix by Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition.” Adv. Mater., 24 3505–3508 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Kamegawa, T, Shimizu, Y, Yamashita, H, “Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Photocatalytic Self-cleaning Properties by Nanocomposite Coating of TiO2 and Polytetrafluoroethylene.” Adv. Mater., 24 3697–3700 (2012)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Park, EJ, Yoon, HS, Kim, DH, Kim, YH, Kim, YD, “Preparation of Self-cleaning Surfaces with a Dual Functionality of Superhydrophobicity and Photocatalytic Activity.” Appl. Surf. Sci., 319 367–371 (2014)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Ratova, M, Kelly, PJ, West, GT, “Superhydrophobic Photocatalytic PTFE – Titania Coatings Deposited by Reactive pDC Magnetron Sputtering from a Blended Powder Target.” Mater. Chem. Phys., 190 108–113 (2017)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Zhao, Y, Liu, Y, Xu, QF, Barahman, M, Lyons, AM, Catalytic, A, “Self-cleaning Surface with Stable Superhydrophobic Properties: Printed PDMS Arrays Embedded with TiO2 Nanoparticles.” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 7 (4) 2632 (2014)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Ding, X, Zhou, S, Gua, G, Wu, L, “A Facile and Large-Area Fabrication Method of Superhydrophobic Self-cleaning Fluorinated Polysiloxane/TiO2 Nanocomposite Coatings with Long-Term Durability.” J. Mater. Chem., 21 6161–6164 (2011)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Wu, Y, Li, X, Mi, C, Zong, L, Wang, X, “Preparation and Characterization of Perfluorine–SiO2 Nanoparticles and Superhydrophobic Fluorosilicone/Silica Hybrid Composite Coating.” Appl. Phys. A, 125 250 (2019)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Qing, Y, Yang, C, Yu, N, Shang, Y, et al., “Superhydrophobic TiO2/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite Surface with Reversible Wettability Switching and Corrosion Resistance.” Chem. Eng. J., 290 37–44 (2016)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Xu, B, Ding, J, Feng, L, Ding, Y, Ge, F, Cai, Z, “Self-cleaning Cotton Fabrics via Combination of Photocatalytic TiO2 and Superhydrophobic SiO2.” Surf. Coat. Technol., 262 70–76 (2015)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Alfieri, I, Lorenzi, A, Ranzenigo, L, Lazzarini, L, et al., “Synthesis and Characterization of Photocatalytic Hydrophobic Hybrid TiO2–SiO2 Coatings for Building Applications.” Build. Environ., 111 72–79 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank State Grid Corporation of China (520626170025) for its financial support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lijun Zong.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zong, L., Wu, Y., Li, X. et al. The preparation of superhydrophobic photocatalytic fluorosilicone/SiO2–TiO2 coating and its self-cleaning performance. J Coat Technol Res 18, 1245–1259 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-021-00485-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-021-00485-x

Keywords

Navigation