One-step fabrication of recyclable and robust fluorine/polymer-free superhydrophobic fabrics

Abstract

Cost-effective, scalable methods to create antiwetting fabric are in high demand for applications ranging from outerwear to water purification and oil–water separation. Conventionally, polymer reagents such as low-surface-tension fluorinated reagents and long alkyl polymers are often incorporated in anti-wetting fabrics to enable water repellency. However, because of their high stabilities and propensity for bioaccumulation, alternative methods that are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable are highly desirable. Herein, we present a simple, environmentally friendly approach to fabricate fluorine-free, recyclable, self-cleaning superhydrophobic coatings. Using only one vacuum heating treatment and without any chemical modification, superhydrophilic TiO₂-immobilized polyester fabrics were converted to superhydrophobic fabrics. These fabrics can be applied for oil/water separation, and the adsorbed grease can be photodecomposed quickly by photocatalysis without the use of organic detergents. On the loss of hydrophobicity, the fabric can be heated under vacuum, regenerating the superhydrophobicity.