Water droplets interaction with super-hydrophobic surfaces

Static and dynamic behavior of water droplets on various super-hydrophobic (SH) surfaces were investigated. First, SH plant leaves were used as samples and we found out that surface nanostructure has a great influence on the droplets dynamic behavior. Then, we made biomimetic structures by depositing SH films through microwave-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD). Next, SH surfaces were fabricated by covering previously roughened SiOx films with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The substrates were then charged with static electricity, and water droplets falling on tilted charged surfaces leaped up or run uphill at high speeds, proving that not only the surface nanostructure but also its chemical endgroups have a great effect on the water droplets motion on SH surfaces.