Reversible switching between superhydrophobic states on a hierarchically structured surface

Verho T, Korhonen JT, Sainiemi L, Jokinen V, Bower C, Franze K, Franssila S, Andrew P, Ikkala O, Ras RHA (2012)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2012

Journal

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America National Academy of Sciences

Book Volume: 109

Pages Range: 10210-10213

Journal Issue: 26

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1204328109

Abstract

Nature offers exciting examples for functional wetting properties based on superhydrophobicity, such as the self-cleaning surfaces on plant leaves and trapped air on immersed insect surfaces allowing underwater breathing. They inspire biomimetic approaches in science and technology. Superhydrophobicity relies on the Cassie wetting state where air is trapped within the surface topography. Pressure can trigger an irreversible transition from the Cassie state to the Wenzel state with no trapped air - this transition is usually detrimental for nonwetting functionality and is to be avoided. Here we present a new type of reversible, localized and instantaneous transition between two Cassie wetting states, enabled by two-level (dual-scale) topography of a superhydrophobic surface, that allows writing, erasing, rewriting and storing of optically displayed information in plastrons related to different length scales.

Authors with CRIS profile

Kristian Franze

Involved external institutions

Nokia UK Limited GB United Kingdom (GB) Aalto University Espoo FI Finland (FI) Helsingin yliopisto / University of Helsinki FI Finland (FI) University of Cambridge GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Verho, T., Korhonen, J.T., Sainiemi, L., Jokinen, V., Bower, C., Franze, K.,... Ras, R.H.A. (2012). Reversible switching between superhydrophobic states on a hierarchically structured surface. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 109(26), 10210-10213. https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1204328109

MLA:

Verho, Tuukka, et al. "Reversible switching between superhydrophobic states on a hierarchically structured surface." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 109.26 (2012): 10210-10213.

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