Tunable Superhydrophobic and Optical Properties of Colloidal Films Coated with Block Copolymer Micelle/Micelle Multilayers

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces are prepared based on silica colloids coated with multiple layers of block copolymer micelles (see figure). The hierarchical surface roughness can be tuned by adjusting the pH and molecular weight of the polymer segments. Optical functionality is imparted to the films by the inclusion of quantum dots or organic dyes in the hydrophobic cores, as depicted in the figure.