Rapid preparation of high-temperature resistant, corrosion resistant, anti-icing superhydrophobic stainless-steel surface and its application in water collection

Drawing inspiration from the way natural organisms regulate surface wettability for specific functions, this study introduces a method combining chemical etching and low-surface-energy modification to rapidly fabricate superhydrophobic stainless-steel surfaces under high-temperature conditions. The impact of etching time on surface roughness and wettability was systematically investigated. The results indicate that by adjusting the etching time, the surface roughness can be precisely controlled, creating a multi-scale micro-nanostructure essential for superhydrophobicity. When the reaction time is 1.5 h, the superhydrophobic stainless-steel surface achieves a contact angle of 156.2° and a sliding angle of just 1.5°, exhibiting excellent superhydrophobic properties. Further tests demonstrate that the superhydrophobic surface excels in mechanical stability, thermal stability, corrosion resistance, anti-icing and self-cleaning properties. Additionally, a hydrophilic-superhydrophobic stainless-steel hybrid surface was fabricated using machining, and when combined with a diversion channel, it significantly enhances water collection performance, facilitating the rapid collection and removal of water droplets. These findings provide valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the development and application of superhydrophobic stainless-steel materials in industrial fields such as anti-fouling, anti-icing and water collection.