“Lotus-effect” tape: imparting superhydrophobicity to solid materials with an electrospun Janus composite mat

Abstract

Making superhydrophobic structures on the surface of materials is always an intricate and various subject, which always requires special facilities and techniques. Herein, a “lotus-effect” tape (LET) was designed to impart solid materials with superhydrophobicity using a technique as simple as taping. The so-called LET was prepared with a Janus structure using dual-nozzle electrospinning, and consisted of a lotus-effect upper layer and a thermo-cohesive bottom layer. The LET can be pasted tightly onto the surface of various substrates via an ironing treatment with a household flatiron. The lotus-effect property was then endowed to the substrates. It is worth noting that the LET can also be detached easily from the substrate involved, but without any damage to the original surface of the substrate. This work provides a novel strategy to impart lotus-effect properties onto various materials without the limitations of special facilities and techniques.