Frontiers in Microbiology (Jun 2022)

Design of Multi-Functional Superhydrophobic Coating via Bacterium-Induced Hierarchically Structured Minerals on Steel Surface

  • Yiwen Zhang,
  • Tao Liu,
  • Jian Kang,
  • Na Guo,
  • Zhangwei Guo,
  • Jinghao Chen,
  • Yansheng Yin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.934966
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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The fabrication of an eco-friendly, multi-functional, and mechanically robust superhydrophobic coating using a simple method has many practical applications. Here, inspired by shell nacre, the micro- or nano-scale surface roughness that is necessary for superhydrophobic coatings was formed via Bacillus subtilis–induced mineralization. The biomineralized film coated with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) exhibited superhydrophobicity with water contact angles of 156°. The biomimetic HDTMS/calcite-coating showed excellent self-cleaning, anti-icing, and anti-corrosion performances. Furthermore, mechanically robust superhydrophobicity could be realized by hierarchically structured biomineralized surfaces at two different length scales, with a nano-structure roughness to provide water repellency and a micro-structure roughness to provide durability. Our design strategy may guide the development of “green” superhydrophobic coatings that need to retain effective multi-functional abilities in harsh marine environments.

Keywords