A lotus effect-inspired flexible and breathable membrane with hierarchical electrospinning micro/nanofibers and ZnO nanowires

Rouxi Chen; Yuqin Wan; Weiwei Wu; Cao Yang; Ji-Huan He; Jianhua Cheng; Reinhard Jetter; Fank K. Ko; Yuancai Chen

Materials & Design (Jan 2019)

A lotus effect-inspired flexible and breathable membrane with hierarchical electrospinning micro/nanofibers and ZnO nanowires

Rouxi Chen,
Yuqin Wan,
Weiwei Wu,
Cao Yang,
Ji-Huan He,
Jianhua Cheng,
Reinhard Jetter,
Fank K. Ko,
Yuancai Chen

Affiliations

Rouxi Chen: College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; South China Institute of Collaborative Innovation, South China University of Technology, Dongguan, China; Department of Material Engineering, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada
Yuqin Wan: Department of Material Engineering, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada
Weiwei Wu: School of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Xidian University, Shaanxi 710126, China
Cao Yang: College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
Ji-Huan He: National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Corresponding author.
Jianhua Cheng: College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China; South China Institute of Collaborative Innovation, South China University of Technology, Dongguan, China; Correspondence to: College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Reinhard Jetter: Departments of Botany and Chemistry, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada
Fank K. Ko: Department of Material Engineering, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, Canada
Yuancai Chen: College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 162
pp. 246 – 248

Abstract

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Hierarchical structures such as the leaf of lotus are promising models for self-cleaning surfaces. A biomimetic structure that contains PVDF microfibers (ZnO nanowires covered with oleic acid) was prepared here to illustrate the biomimetic lotus effect concept. This was prepared via electrospinning, hydrothermal synthesis, and dip coating. The hierarchical structure and oleic acid coating was shown to contribute to super hydrophobicity with a water contact angle (WCA) > 150°. The super hydrophobic flexible membrane not only exhibited water droplet bouncing and rolling behaviors, but also demonstrated promising self-cleaning properties, water resistance, and permeability of air and water vapor. These characteristics have far reaching implications in broadening the application of the self-cleaning textiles, waterproof breathable membrane, medical devices, and surgical plants such as artificial blood vessels. Keywords: Lotus effect, Bionics design, Electrospinning, ZnO nanowires, Self-cleaning

Published in Materials & Design

ISSN: 0264-1275 (Print); 1873-4197 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/materials-and-design

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