Wettability manipulation of overflow behavior via vesicle surfactant for water-proof surface cleaning

Abstract

Efficient superhydrophobic surface cleaning strategies are of paramount importance for water-proof wearable electronics applications. Herein, a dynamic, time-dependent cleaning approach on a superhydrophobic surface is presented, which uses vesicle surfactants (Aerosol OT) to manipulate the surface wettability transition from non-wetting to ultra-wetting within milliseconds and fluid overflow behavior. Contaminants such as dust and grease on water-proof surfaces can be easily removed under the ultra-wetting state. In addition, a water wash can remove the surfactant in milliseconds to achieve a low surfactant retention and recover the superhydrophobicity of wearable devices. This washing strategy achieves stable wettability transitions for more than 20 cycles and does not damage the electronic cloth. This cleaning strategy can inspire the next explosion in the development and application of advanced materials.