Development and characterization of cobalt based nanostructured super hydrophobic coating

Abstract

A super hydrophobic coating on the surface of glass substrate has been developed using chemical bath deposition (CBD) process. A water contact angle (WCA) greater than 150° has been achieved. Cobalt Chloride (CoCl2) has been used as the main precursor to investigate optimum composition and high superhydrophobicity. The water droplet has been observed to slide with a sliding angle less than ∼⃒3°. This effect is particularly due to the surface morphology (roughness) and low surface energy that causes water droplet to form a large contact angle thus allowing the surface to show water-repellent properties. Deposition time is the primary parameter affecting the coating properties and a different WCA value has been observed by increasing time. Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) images show the presence of a nano flower-like morphology that helps in imparting superhydrophobic behavior. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) indicate the coating to be composed of cobalt as the main constituent. Contact Angle Measurement confirms the contact angle value to be greater than 170°.