Micropatterned Amorphous Zr-Based Alloys Coated with Silica Nanoparticles as Superhydrophobic Surfaces against Abrasion

Superhydrophobic metallic surfaces with mechanical stability as well as self-cleaning and anticorrosion functions are highly desirable because of their promising applications in various aspects. Large apparent water contact angles (≥150°) on metal surfaces are usually realized by high surface roughness and low surface energy. However, rough nanoscale features and low-energy coatings are prone to wear, causing degradation of the local wetting property during service. Herein, we develop a low-cost and scalable fabrication methodology to prepare composite superhydrophobic surfaces (water contact angle ∼154.7± 2.3° and sliding angle ∼1.2 ± 0.2°) by integrating a micropatterned amorphous alloy frame with functionalized nanoparticles. Amorphous interconnected microwalls provide augmented resistance against abrasion, whereas spray-coated nanomaterials residing within the frame impart water repellency. Metallic surfaces can withstand abrasion against sandpaper for 40 m under a local pressure of 120 kPa, before losing their perfect superhydrophobic performances. The composite surfaces also maintain its water repellency after mechanical bending, knife scratching, water impact jetting, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and acid immersion. We envisage that the design strategies here provide a practical route to manufacture water-repellent surfaces with metallic glass in harsh nautical applications.