Transparent Superhydrophobic Thin Films with Self-Cleaning Properties

Abstract

Transparent superhydrophobic thin films with TiO 2 photocatalyst were prepared by utilizing a sublimation material and subsequent coating of a (fluoroalkyl)silane. The transparency of the films decreased with increasing TiO 2 concentration, which was attributed to the size difference of the starting materials. The film with only 2 wt % TiO 2 maintained higher contact angle than the film without TiO 2 after 1800-h outdoor exposure, the accumulation of stain being avoided due to TiO 2 photocatalysis. The films prepared in this study are the first ones that satisfy the requirements of transparency, superhydrophobicity, and long lifetime simultaneously.