Cross-scale self-similar hierarchical micro-nano structures in living systems often provide unique features on surfaces and serve as inspiration sources for artificial materials or devices. For instance, a highly self-similar structure often has a higher fractal dimension and, consequently, a larger active surface area; hence, it would have a super surface performance compared to its peer. However, artificial self-similar surfaces with hierarchical micro-nano structures and their application development have not yet received enough attention. Here, by introducing solvent-assisted UV-lasering, we establish an elegant approach to fabricate self-similar hierarchical micro-nano structures on silicon. The self-similar structure exhibits a super hydrophilicity, a high light absorbance (>90%) in an ultra-broad spectrum (200-2500 nm), and an extraordinarily high efficiency in heat transfer. Through further combinations with other techniques, such surfaces can be used for capillary assembling soft electronics, surface self-cleaning, and so on. Furthermore, such an approach can be transferred to other materials with minor modifications. For instance, by doping carbon in polymer matrix, a silicone surface with hierarchical micro-nano structures can be obtained. By selectively patterning such hierarchical structures, we obtained an ultra-high sensitivity bending sensor. We believe that such a fabrication technique of self-similar hierarchical micro-nano structures may encourage researchers to deeply explore the unique features of functional surfaces with such structures and to further discover their potentials in various applications in diverse directions.
Keywords: bending sensor; hierarchal micro–nano structure; self-similar structures; solvent-assisted UV-lasering; stretchable electronics; ultra-broad high light absorbance.