One-step method for fabrication of biomimetic superhydrophobic surface on aluminum alloy

Inspired by the microstructures of typical plants’ leaf surface, such as lotus leaves, red rose petals, rice leaves, etc. a functional superhydrophobic surface of aluminum alloy has been successfully fabricated by the one-step anodization process. The as-prepared superhydrophobic surface has a high contact angle of 171.9° ± 2° and a low tilting angle of 6.2° ± 1°, and possesses a good long-term stability. In addition, the resulting surfaces exhibit excellent anticorrosion and self-cleaning properties. The surface morphologies, chemical composition, wettability, corrosion resistance were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, and electrochemical workstation. This study provides a simple, low-cost and effective route to fabricate large-area superhydrophobic surface with corrosion resistance and self-cleaning for a great number of potential applications, and can be easily extended to other metal materials.