Toward Superlyophobic Surfaces

We report on our recent endeavor in developing superlyophobic surfaces, on which both water and hexadecanedemonstrate contact angles greater than 150° and, even more importantly, roll-off angles for 20-ìldroplets of less than 10°. Our superlyophobic surfaces are based on a multilength-scale structure, eitherfrom a raspberry-like topography or from particle-containing woven fabrics. The multilength-scale roughnessplays a major role in rendering the surfaces superoleophobic (the liquid droplets are in the Cassiewetting state), especially in terms of obtaining low hexadecane roll-off angles. In addition, surface perfluorinationhas proven to be essential in achieving superoleophobicity.