The authors have developed a new facile and low-cost approach to preparing superhydrophobic surfaces composed of single-crystalline nanowires over a large area with micro- and nanowires of an organic semiconductor. After the model striders leg had been coated with the superhydrophobic films, the maximal supporting force of the 'leg' increased at least 2.4 times. Model copper water striders with self-assembled crystalline nanowires on their legs can nicely stand on the surface of water. 1.0 mg of such nanowires could support a 372 mg model strider, indicating the striking water-repellent ability of the model legs. The investigation opens a facile method to self-assemble interesting superhydrophobic surfaces of organic micro- and nanostructures for potential applications, such as to develop microrobots to stand and maneuver on water.
"Water Strider" legs with a self-assembled coating of single-crystalline nanowires of an organic semiconductor
Advanced Materials, Weinheim ; 22 , 3 ; 376-379
2010
4 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 12 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch