Reversible Conversion of Conducting Polymer Films from Superhydrophobic to Superhydrophilic

Abstract

On-again, off-again personality: Superhydrophobic conducting polypyrrole (PPy) films are synthesized through a facile electrochemical process. The PPy films exhibit an extended porous structure with both coarse- and fine-scale roughness (see image). By controlling the electrical potential, PPy films can be switched between the oxidized state and the neutral state, resulting in reversibly switchable superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic properties.