Fractal Surfaces of Molecular Crystals Mimicking Lotus Leaf with Phototunable Double Roughness Structures

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Aug 17;138(32):10299-303. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b05562. Epub 2016 Aug 8.

Abstract

Double roughness structure, the origin of the lotus effect of natural lotus leaf, was successfully reproduced on a diarylethene microcrystalline surface. Static superwater-repellency and dynamic water-drop-bouncing were observed on the surface, in the manner of natural lotus leaves. Double roughness structure was essential for water-drop-bouncing. This ability was not observed on a single roughness microcrystalline surface showing the lotus effect of the same diarylethene derivative. The double roughness structure was reversibly controlled by alternating irradiation with UV and visible light.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Crystallization
  • Fractals*
  • Light
  • Lotus / anatomy & histology*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves / anatomy & histology*
  • Pressure
  • Surface Properties
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Water / chemistry
  • Wettability

Substances

  • Water