Preparation of a Lotus-Leaf-Like Coating with Robust Super-Hydrophobicity and UV-Resistant Ability

In this study, we report the preparation of a lotus-leaf-like coating with robust super-hydrophobicity and anti-ultraviolet ability. As theoretically decoded from quantum mechanics, the combination of ceria-modified roughness with a substrate layer with low surface energy may help narrow the water-"hit" moiety on the surface and accordingly enhance the super-hydrophobicity, along with the intrinsic ultraviolet-resistant ability of ceria. To the end, this coating was fabricated by spraying a ceria emulsion and a perfluorosilane emulsion of the substrate layer onto a glass slide that helped form the lotus-leaf-like rough surface. Depending on the content of ceria, the prepared coating demonstrated the desired and excellent superhydrophobic properties in which the contact angle can be up to 155.7° and the rolling angle can be up to 4.8°. The presence of ceria in the prepared lotus-leaf-like coating not only enhanced the super-hydrophobicity but also dictated the anti-ultraviolet ability. In conjunction with the sturdy wear resistance, the successful preparation of this coating suggests a promising prospect for practical applications and particularly outdoor applications.