Superhydrophobic Materials for Self-cleaning Applications: A Review

Abstract: Since the discovery of the “lotus effect,” the superhydrophobic structure of the research is more and more profound. When the droplets fall on the surface, it will not occur as a wetting phenomenon. Making full use of this feature will achieve the self-cleaning effect of the object surface. In the dust filtration problem, it is possible to spray superhydrophobic materials on the surface of the equipment using superhydrophobic self-cleaning characteristics to change the filtering method and to improve the self-cleaning efficiency. This paper describes the methods of preparing superhydrophobic materials, self-cleaning methods, and the application of superhydrophobic materials in the field of self-cleaning. Based on the summary of patents and papers, this paper focuses on the filtration and self-cleaning effect of superhydrophobic materials on dust particles in humid environments. With a simple structure, high filtration efficiency, and long service life, the super sparse/hydrophilic hybrid mesh can work continuously without manual operation. It can effectively filter dust particles and improve air quality in humid environments. Coal powder condensation experiments in this paper proved that the application of superhydrophobic materials in the field of self-cleaning yielded significant results. When superhydrophobic materials are sprayed on copper-based filters, the hydrophilic line mixes with the hydrophobic region, greatly improving the self-cleaning efficiency.