Supramolecular polymers as surface coatings: rapid fabrication of healable superhydrophobic and slippery surfaces

Abstract

Supramolecular polymerization for non-wetting surface coatings is described. The self-assembly of low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) with perfluorinated side chains can be utilized to rapidly construct superhydrophobic, as well as liquid-infused slippery surfaces within minutes. The lubricated slippery surface exhibits impressive repellency to biological li-quids, such as human serum and blood, and very fast self-healing.

Keywords: functional supramolecular polymers; gelators; lotus effect; slippery surfaces; superhydrophobic surface.