Superhydrophobic Surfaces: Wetting Phenomena and Preparation Methods

Dear Colleagues,

Superhydrophobic surfaces, which exhibit extreme water repellency, have captivated human curiosity for centuries; one of the earliest natural examples can be traced back to the observation of lotus leaves, whose self-cleaning ability—driven by their unique micro- and nanostructured surface combined with a low-surface-energy wax layer—has long inspired interest. Though ancient civilizations may not have understood the underlying science, the practical benefits of such water-repellent properties, from keeping surfaces dry to reducing contamination, were intuitively recognized. Today, the study of superhydrophobic surfaces has evolved into a sophisticated field, deeply rooted in the understanding of wetting phenomena. Wetting behavior, characterized by contact angles exceeding 150° and sliding angles below 10°, is governed by a complex interplay of surface chemistry (e.g., low-surface-energy functional groups) and topography (e.g., hierarchical micro-/nanostructures, porous architectures, or re-entrant geometries).

The preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces has seen remarkable diversification, encompassing a wide range of techniques tailored to specific materials and applications. These include chemical etching to create microscale roughness on metallic substrates, sol-gel synthesis for depositing ceramic-based coatings with controlled nanostructures, electrospinning to fabricate polymeric nanofiber mats with inherent hydrophobicity, and vapor deposition methods (such as chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition) for precise control over surface chemistry and morphology. Additionally, bioinspired approaches, mimicking lotus leaves or water strider legs, have led to innovative fabrication strategies that combine roughness and low surface energy in novel ways.

In this Special Issue, we will showcase the latest advancements in the understanding of wetting phenomena on superhydrophobic surfaces and the development of cutting-edge preparation techniques. We welcome original research articles that explore fundamental aspects of wetting mechanics, surface characterization, and durability, as well as short critical reviews that synthesize current trends, challenges, and future directions in the field—from environmental applications such as anti-icing and corrosion protection to industrial uses in self-cleaning materials and microfluidics.

Dr. Bo Zhang
Guest Editor

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• superhydrophobic surface
• wetting
• fabrication