Research Progress in Superhydrophobic Surfaces: From Design to Application

Dear Colleagues,

Superhydrophobic surfaces, inspired by natural phenomena such as the lotus leaf and insect wings, have attracted significant scientific and technological interest over the past two decades. These surfaces, characterized by their high water contact angles and low sliding angles, offer a wealth of potential in diverse applications, ranging from self-cleaning and anti-icing to corrosion resistance, oil–water separation, drag reduction, and biomedical devices. However, bridging the gap between laboratory-scale demonstrations and real-world deployment remains a key challenge due to factors such as mechanical durability, environmental stability, and scalable fabrication techniques. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest research progress in the field of superhydrophobic surfaces, with a focus on the full spectrum from fundamental design strategies to practical applications. We welcome the submission of original research articles, reviews, and short communications that explore innovative surface architectures, advanced fabrication methods (including laser processing, chemical etching, electrospinning, and 3D printing), theoretical models of wetting behavior, and multifunctional integration with optical, thermal, or sensing properties. Furthermore, we highly encourage the submission of contributions addressing challenges such as long-term performance in harsh environments, eco-friendly material selection, and the development of dynamic or stimuli-responsive superhydrophobic systems. This Special Issue aims to serve as a multidisciplinary platform, bringing together materials scientists, chemists, physicists, and engineers to advance the science and technology of superhydrophobic surfaces for use in impactful and sustainable applications.

In particular, topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Design and Mechanism:

Bioinspired wetting models and surface design;

Dynamic wettability and droplet behavior.

2. Fabrication and Materials:

Advanced micro/nanostructuring techniques;

Scalable and eco-friendly fabrication methods.

3. Multifunctional Performance:

Self-cleaning, anti-icing, and anti-corrosion;

Oil–water separation and drag reduction.

4. Durability and Applications:

Mechanical robustness and environmental stability;

Applications in energy, marine, aerospace, and biomedicine.

5. Smart and Responsive Surfaces:

Stimuli-responsive and adaptive superhydrophobic systems;

Integration with photothermal, electrothermal, or sensing functions.

Dr. Xiaoming Feng
Guest Editor

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