Electrodeposited surfaces with reversibly switching interfacial properties

Abstract

Engineered surfaces with reversibly switching interfacial properties, such as wettability and liquid repellency, are highly desirable in diverse application fields but are rare. We have developed a general concept to prepare metallic porous surfaces with exceptionally powerful wettability switch capabilities and liquid-repellent properties through an extremely simple one-step electrochemical deposition process. The wettability switch and manipulative liquid-repellent properties are enabled by orientation change of the dodecyl sulfate ions ionically bonded to the porous membranes during electrodeposition. The porous membrane with adjustable wettability enables it to trap different lubricants on demand within the pores to form liquid-infused porous surfaces with varied liquid-repellent properties. We have demonstrated the application of the (liquid-infused) porous membrane in encryption, controllable droplet transfer, and water harvesting. Moreover, the silver porous membrane can be coated onto a copper mesh, forming a smart antifouling liquid gate capable of allowing water or oil to pass through on request.