Fabrication of Bioinspired Hierarchical Functional Structures by Using Honeycomb Films as Templates

Abstract A facile approach to the fabrication of bioinspired hierarchical functional structures by using honeycomb films with controllable micropores as templates is described here. Taking advantage of the breath figure method, honeycomb films with manipulable micropores can be conveniently fabricated by modulating the experimental conditions such as duration of the moist gas flow, temperature, and stretching of the film, which further serve as templates to induce the assembly of subsequently introduced silica nanoparticles for the construction of hierarchical functional structures in a controlled fashion. The resultant hierarchical functional structures not only present a viewing angle independent property, but also exhibit improved hydrophobicity and unique wetting behaviors depending on the morphologies of their building units. It is believed that the work will provide plenty of inspiration for the fabrication of novel high‐performance optical devices for display, as well as functionalized surfaces for waterproof and self‐cleaning.