Biomimetic Hierarchical ZnO Structures with Superhydrophobic Property

摘要

A simple electrochemical deposition method was developed for the fabrication of ZnO-based hierarchical dual structures on micro and nano scales. A layer of c-axis well-aligned and translucent ZnO micro/nanostructures was deposited on ITO glass substrate from different aqueous electrolytes with systematically varied conditions. Surface morphologies and orientations of the ZnO coatings were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The resulting ZnO-modified surface was found to exhibit water contact angle as high as 170°, a superhydrophobic property found on lotus leaf. Results show that the electrochemical deposition potential, electrolyte concentration, deposition temperature and time are the critical factors controlling the growth and formation of ZnO micro/nanostructures. Such biomimetic ZnO structures have potential for self-cleaning applications.