Nonswellable hydrogels with robust micro/nano-structures and durable superoleophobic surfaces under seawater

Hydrogels, composed mainly of water trapped in three dimensional cross-linked polymer networks, have been widely utilized to construct underwater superoleophobic surfaces. However, the swelling nature and instability of hydrogels under complex marine environment will weaken their underwater superoleophobicity. Herein, we synthesize structured poly (2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogels by using sandpaper as templates. The robust non-swelling of PHEMA hydrogel ensures that micro/nano-structures on the surface of PHEMA hydrogels can be well maintained. Moreover, when roughness Ra of about 3∼4 μm, the surface has superior oil-repellency. Additionally, even after immersing in seawater for one-month, their breaking strength and toughness can be well kept. The non-swellable hydrogels with long-term stable under seawater superoleophobicity will promote the development of robust superoleophobic materials in marine antifouling coatings, biomedical devices and oil/water separation.