Electrospun nanofiber SLIPS exhibiting high total transparency and scattering

Abstract

Antifouling coatings are important in fields such as mobility, architecture, power generation devices, and medical devices, where energy efficiency is required to be maximized. Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) are an antifouling approach inspired by nature from the pitcher plant, and have recently received widespread attention in many fields. SLIPS can repel various liquids, including organic solvents with low contact angle hystereses, but require further development to extend their application. We previously reported a fast and straight-forward process for preparing SLIPS called Gel-SLIPS. SLIPS were prepared by the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) of a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP)/di-n-butyl phthalate solution. In the current study, SLIPS were prepared by electrospinning to give nanofiber SLIPS. These exhibited high scattering (50%), high total transmittance (93.2%), and a low sliding angle (≤10°). These properties resulted from the nanofiber non-woven structure of the PVDF–HFP. Nanofiber SLIPS provide control over scattering by altering the under layer density, all while maintaining the total transparency. These characteristics are useful for energy efficient optical devices such as solar cells and street lighting.