The Chemistry and CVD of Hydrophobic Surfaces
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
The plant world has over two hundred species that have the ability to clean themselves using rain water. They do so by having a highly structured surface that is composed of microscopic nodules. These nodules cause rain impacting on the surface to form almost completely spherical balls. These water balls roll across the surface and attract dust and debris from the plant surface- and enable the plant to clean itself. The aim of this project is to produce surfaces that mimic the action of these plants- we will make these hydrophobic surfaces by chemical vapour deposition. The chemical vapour deposition technique allows thin films of material to be laid down- the key feature is that the films are extremely well bonded to the underlaying surface. By controlling the surface structure- that is to make surfaces with a microscopic nodular apperance we will be able to make the surfaces very hydrophobic. Further we will investigate the effect of surface chemistry on these surfaces by adding specific elements that in themselves are water repelling. The applications of this work are enormous- if a surface can be made very hydrophobic not only will it self clean, it will also not mist. This means that it can be used on spectacles, bathroom mirrors and the indside of cars to stop them fogging up. It could also be used on the exterior surface of a window pain to keep the window clean and bright.
Organisations
Publications
Sehmi SK
(2015)
Lethal photosensitisation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using crystal violet and zinc oxide-encapsulated polyurethane.
in Journal of materials chemistry. B
Lu Y
(2015)
Repellent materials. Robust self-cleaning surfaces that function when exposed to either air or oil.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Kafizas A
(2010)
The combinatorial atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (cAPCVD) of a gradating substitutional/interstitial N-doped anatase TiO2 thin-film; UVA and visible light photocatalytic activities
in Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry
Crick CR
(2012)
Superhydrophobic photocatalytic surfaces through direct incorporation of titania nanoparticles into a polymer matrix by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition.
in Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
Crick CR
(2011)
Aerosol assisted depositions of polymers using an atomiser delivery system.
in Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology
Crick C
(2011)
An investigation into bacterial attachment to an elastomeric superhydrophobic surface prepared via aerosol assisted deposition
in Thin Solid Films
Crick C
(2011)
Superhydrophobic silica films on glass formed by hydrolysis of an acidic aerosol of tetraethylorthosilicate
in Journal of Materials Chemistry
Crick C
(2013)
Superhydrophobic polymer-coated copper-mesh; membranes for highly efficient oil-water separation
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Crick C
(2013)
A general method for the incorporation of nanoparticles into superhydrophobic films by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Crick C
(2011)
Aerosol assisted deposition of melamine-formaldehyde resin: Hydrophobic thin films from a hydrophilic material
in Thin Solid Films
Crick C
(2015)
Advanced analysis of nanoparticle composites - a means toward increasing the efficiency of functional materials
in RSC Advances
Crick C
(2011)
Water droplet bouncing-a definition for superhydrophobic surfaces
in Chemical Communications
Crick C
(2010)
Superhydrophobic polymer films via aerosol assisted deposition - Taking a leaf out of nature's book
in Thin Solid Films
Chen F
(2015)
Hydrophilic patterning of superhydrophobic surfaces by atmospheric-pressure plasma jet
in Micro & Nano Letters
| Description | We have developed a new way of making water repellent surfaces. This can be used to make clothes that self clean and hard surfaces that kill bacteria. We have now published a science paper in this area and are talking to 20+ companies. We have been discussing a licensing agreement with two companies. We have been awarded an Innovate UK award with Akzo Nobel and we are discussing investment funding with a venture capital partner through UCLB. |
| Exploitation Route | further grant funding- including new ways to clean up oil spills on water. |
| Sectors | Environment |
| URL | http://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/academic_pages/ivan_parkin |
| Description | We have made a series of hydrophobic films that reple water and bacteria. We have also developed new self cleaning materials. We are in discussion with more than 20 industrial companies on use of technology developed from follow on work from this grant. We now have innovate UK projects with Akzo Nobel and with Altro looking to commercialise outcomes from this grant |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Environment |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | EPSRC |
| Amount | £40,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | Ph.D+ |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2012 |
| End | 03/2013 |