Multifunctional polypyrene/silica hybrid coatings with stable excimer fluorescence and robust superhydrophobicity derived from electrodeposited polypyrene films

A fluorescent and robust superhydrophobic coating based on a fluorinated polypyrene/silica hybrid (FPSH) film was reported. This hybrid film is composed of an underlying polypyrene film and overlying silica layers. The polypyrene film is electrodeposited on an indium tin oxide glass electrode by cyclic voltammetry to provide a petal-like hierarchical rough structure and strong fluorescence with one-step electrochemical polymerization. Notably, the fluorescence emission of this polypyrene film derives from the excimer forms, reported here for the first time. The silica layers are fabricated by a two-step chemical vapor deposition to obtain a supporting silica backbone and a low-energy surface. Several critical tests were performed on the FPSH films, confirming that the film is not only a thermally stable, anti-acid/alkali, and anti-impact self-cleaning surface, but also presents a strong green fluorescence emission.