Ultrasound-driven design of metal surface nanofoams

Abstract

Ultrasound processes are particularly interesting for a great variety of applications like formation of developed surfaces, finishing, catalyst formation, polymerization and surface polymer attachment, etc. Here, we report on the ultrasound-driven formation of metal surface nanofoams in aqueous media. Systematic investigation of ultrasound effects on various types of aluminium, iron and magnesium alloys shows that the character of the metal determines the roughness of the metal surface. A trick with attachment of layered double hydroxide laurate to a nanostructured aluminium-based foam surface results in the formation of a corrosion-resistant superhydrophobic surface.