Preparation and application of superhydrophobic surfaces: from fluorine to nature

The worldwide industries and scientific communities have raised various research works to develop surfaces with special wettability for a variety of applications. Fluorinated synthesis materials as currently widespread liquid repellent products proved to adversely affect human health and environment. As eco-friendly and non-toxic alternatives, artificial superhydrophobic surfaces inspired by nature non-wettable biological structures have received both academic and practical attention. The recent development on fluorine-free superhydrophobic surface design and the state-of-the-art techniques have widely applied in marine, medical, textiles and other fields. The manufacture and negative environmental impact of fluorinated materials have been discussed, as well as the classical natural superhydrophobic surfaces and theoretical models.