A groundbreaking achievement in material science has been unveiled by a team of researchers in Finland, promising to transform countless aspects of daily life and industry with the creation of the world’s most water-resistant surface. Led by Robin Ras from Aalto University, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Jyväskylä, this innovative development opens up new horizons for applications in fields as diverse as plumbing, shipping, and the automotive industry, all of which are profoundly impacted by the behavior of water on surfaces.
The research team’s ingenious approach involves solid silicon surfaces with a “liquid-like” outer layer. This unique surface chemistry not only repels water but also allows water droplets to slide off with exceptional efficiency. The outer layer essentially functions as a lubricant between the surface and water droplets, ushering in a new era of understanding surface slipperiness at the molecular level.
Sakari Lepikko, the lead author of the study recently published in Nature Chemistry, explained that this work represents the first instance of engineering molecularly heterogeneous surfaces at the nanometer level, pushing the boundaries of what is scientifically achievable.
One of the key insights of this research is the ability to carefully fine-tune the coverage of the silicon surface by the self-assembled monolayer (SAM). By adjusting conditions within a reactor, such as temperature and water content, the researchers could control the extent to which the monolayer covered the silicon surface. The results revealed that optimal slipperiness was achieved when SAM coverage was either low or high, coinciding with situations of surface homogeneity. At low coverage, the silicon surface predominates, while at high coverage, the SAMs dominate.
Lepikko noted the counterintuitive discovery that even low coverage of the self-assembled monolayer yielded extraordinary slipperiness. Utilizing this innovative methodology, the research team succeeded in creating the slipperiest liquid surface in the world.
This breakthrough has far-reaching implications, impacting a vast array of applications, ranging from heat transfer in pipes, de-icing, and anti-fogging solutions to microfluidics and the creation of self-cleaning surfaces. It offers a revolutionary approach to enhancing droplet mobility wherever it is required.
The team’s research journey continues as they explore the optimization of the self-assembling monolayer setup and the refinement of the layer itself. One of the key challenges with SAM coatings is their thinness, making them susceptible to dispersal after physical contact. Nevertheless, the fundamental scientific insights gained through this research hold the potential to create robust and practical applications.
This is not the first time Aalto University researchers have delved into water-repellent technologies. In 2020, they unveiled an armor-plated superhydrophobic surface with enhanced durability, making it an ideal material for medical settings to prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Superhydrophobic surfaces, while highly effective, tend to be fragile, thus limiting their practicality. The armor plating innovation significantly increased their durability, making it an indispensable tool in the fight against pathogen transmission.
The pioneering work of the Finnish researchers promises to revolutionize industries and household tasks, all while exemplifying the power of scientific innovation to address real-world challenges.
