Robust Superamphiphobic Nanoscale Copper Sheet Surfaces Produced by a Simple and Environmentally Friendly Technique

In this study, robust nanoscale superamphiphobic (SAP) copper (Cu) sheet surfaces are obtained with an exceptionally simple and environmentally friendly technique. Copper oxide nanostructures are imparted onto the Cu sheet surface by a facile treatment of the surfaces with hot de-ionized water (approximate to 80 degrees C) for different time periods. A morphological transformation starting from cube-like nanostructures associated with Cu2O to leaf-like nanostructures of CuO with the progress in treatment time is observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and laser scanning microscopy (LSM) analysis confirm the formation of copper oxide nanostructures. Consequently, the wetting properties of the treated Cu sheet surfaces toward water and organic liquids is varied after the surface energy reduction of the nanostructures with long chain fluorocarbon molecules of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (PFDCS). The leaf-like nanostructured CuO surfaces demonstrate SAP properties with a water contact angle (CA) as high as 160 degrees and organic liquid CAs of around 150 degrees. The robustness of the obtained SAP Cu sheet surface is confirmed after being exposed to a stream of both water and organic liquids, annealed under various temperatures in ambient environment, and ultra-sonicated in acetone for various time periods.