Preparation of hierarchically structured polystyrene surfaces with superhydrophobic properties by plasma-assisted fluorination

The nanotexturing of microstructured polystyrene surfaces through CF4 plasma chemical fluorination is presented in this study. It is demonstrated that the parameters of a surface micropore-generation process, together with the setup of subsequent plasma-chemical modifications, allows for the creation of a long-term (weeks) surface-stable micro- and nanotexture with high hydrophobicity (water contact angle >150 degrees). Surface micropores were generated initially via the time-sequenced dosing of mixed solvents onto a polystyrene surface (Petri dish) in a spin-coater. In the second step, tetrafluoromethane (CF4) plasma fluorination was used for the generation of a specific surface nanotexture and the modulation of the surface chemical composition. Experimental results of microscopic, goniometric, and spectroscopic measurements have shown that a single combination of phase separation methods and plasma processes enables the facile preparation of a wide spectrum of hierarchically structured surfaces differing in their wetting properties and application potentials. ; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic-Program NPU I [LO1504]; European Regional Development Fund [CZ.1.05/2.1.00/19.0409]; TBU [IGA/FT/2017/011, IGA/FT/2018/011, IGA/FT/2019/012]