Here, we report a type of aluminum-based condensate microdrop self-propelling (CMDSP) functional films based on the controllable fabrication of anodic alumina rod-capped nanopores, which can be realized by a three-step method based on the skillful combinations of well-established hard anodization, mild anodization and chemical etching techniques. Such a surface nanoengineering strategy is verified to be feasible via our exemplified experiments and scanning electronic microscopy characterizations. After fluorosilane modification, the surface nanostructure can induce the efficient self-jumping of small-scale condensate microdrops, especially below 50 μm. This work offers an avenue for developing CMDSP aluminum surfaces with self-cleaning, antifrosting, and antidewing functions.
Keywords: alumina rod-capped nanopores; anodization; condensate microdrop self-propelling; etching; superhydrophobic.