Robust multifunctional superhydrophobic organic–inorganic hybrid macroporous coatings and films

We demonstrate a facile and efficient method for fabricating multifunctional superhydrophobic organic–inorganic hybrid macroporous coatings and films with robust environmental stabilities involving the electrospinning of phenylsilsesquiazane (PhSSQZ) in the presence of polystyrene (PS). The resulting freestanding PhSSQZ/PS webs, which featured hierarchical fibrous structures with the unique chemical properties of PhSSQZ, provided a practical material with potential uses in many applications including structural coatings, oil–water separation membranes, and high-performance air filters. The materials maintained their fibrous structures and superhydrophobicity even after heat treatment at 600 °C under an ambient atmosphere, which is among the highest level reported up to date for solution-processed superhydrophobic surfaces with soft materials. The solvent resistance and mechanical strength of the PhSSQZ/PS webs were significantly enhanced through the structured siloxane network due to thermally induced hydrolysis of PhSSQZ and condensation of the resulting silanols. The properties of this novel material suggest that the present approach will advance our knowledge and capability to design and develop multifunctional smart materials with robust superhydrophobicity and macroporosity.