Superhydrophobic and anti-corrosion Cu microcones/Ni–W alloy coating fabricated by electrochemical approaches

Abstract

In this work, we present a simple method for fabricating a microstructured Cu/Ni–W alloy coating by combining electroless and electro deposition. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results show that a layer of Ni–W alloy has covered uniformly the conical surface of Cu microcone arrays, forming a multilayer coating. The Tafel curve shows the prominent anti-corrosion property of the as-deposited Ni–W film. Wettability results reveal that the water contact angles can be increased from 106° to 153.2° by adjusting the electrodeposition time of the Ni–W layer. The liquid–solid–air contact mode between the superhydrophobic Ni–W hemisphere decorated Cu microcone array and the water drop is briefly discussed. This work also showed potential for use in a wide range of applications, such as the commercial production of anti-wetting and anti-corrosion devices.