Researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) have developed a new superhydrophobic surface material using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By grafting hydrocarbon chains onto MOF thin films, they achieved exceptional water repellency with a contact angle exceeding 160 degrees, making these surfaces highly suitable for self-cleaning applications in cars and buildings.
MOFs, known for their porous structures and large surface areas, provide a unique foundation for enhancing hydrophobicity. The innovative approach focuses on the polymer brush-like arrangement of hydrocarbon chains that form a disordered, high-entropy state essential for minimizing water adhesion.
Unlike traditional materials where perfluorination improves hydrophobicity, the use of perfluorinated hydrocarbons in this study surprisingly decreased water contact angles, as simulations revealed they couldn’t attain the favorable high-entropy state. Additionally, the researchers optimized surface roughness on a nanoscale, significantly boosting the material’s hydrophobic and self-cleaning capabilities.
This groundbreaking research will influence the design and production of next-generation materials with enhanced hydrophobic properties, paving the way for advanced applications across various industries. The findings were published in the journal “Materials Horizons.”
