Dynamic self-propelling condensed microdroplets over super-hydrophobic surface: An exceptional atmospheric corrosion inhibition strategy

Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) have potential application prospects in many fields for the lotus effect. The microdroplet self-propelling effect is a newly discovered mechanism of SHS phenomena, which provides more possibilities for SHS applications. In this study, the ZnO-nanoneedle array was designed and constructed by an electrodeposition method. Based on surface characterization and analysis, the nucleation, growth, and merging process of SHS surface droplets under simulated condensation conditions were studied. The correlation between the surface microstructure and the jumping behavior was established, and the self-propelling mechanism was analyzed from an energy perspective. Based on electrochemical data, the contribution of self-propelling behavior to the atmospheric corrosion protection performance of SHS was analyzed, which confirms that the droplet self-propelling behavior, as a new SHS atmospheric corrosion protection mechanism, has potential applications in atmospheric corrosion protection in the future.