Multiple superwettable nanofiber arrays prepared by a facile dewetting strategy via controllably localizing a low-energy compound

Superwettable solid surfaces have attracted substantial research interest due to their outstanding performance. Various approaches have been developed for preparing superwettable surfaces via constructing a highly textured surface roughness and/or altering the surface free energy. Here, a facile dewetting strategy is proposed to produce multiple superwettabilities on copper hydroxide nanofiber arrays (Cu(OH)₂-NFAs) by controlling the localized state of low-energy silicone oil. It is proposed that both the capillary forces along each nanofiber and the evaporation of the octane solvent contribute to the localization of the silicone oil in the NFAs. By varying the concentration of the silicone oil, its localized state changes from a scattered discontinuous distribution to a continuous thin/thick film, which leads to variations in the surface energy and surface roughness. Consequently, Cu(OH)₂-NFAs with superhydrophilicity, superhydrophobicity with both high and low adhesion, and super slippery properties are prepared. Notably, a very small amount of silicone oil can alter the surface wettability of the Cu(OH)₂-NFAs from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic, which is attributable to the migration of silicone oil to the top of the nanofibers during the dewetting process. These results will provide new insights on the facile fabrication of functional surfaces with multiple superwettabilities.