A flexible nanofiber-based membrane with superhydrophobic pinning properties

A nanofiber-based TiO₂(B)/carbon nanofiber membrane has been synthesized by a facile and effective route that incorporates electrospinning approach with hydrothermal method. The prepared membrane shows high flexibility and hydrophilicity. After treatment with a low surface energy fluorosilane, the obtained superhydrophobic surface endows the membrane a high adhesive force due to the hybrid microstructure of TiO₂(B) nanotubes and nanoplates on fibers. A water droplet on the surface of the membrane appears spherical in shape, which cannot roll off even when the membrane is bent and turned upside down. When a water droplet dropped from a certain height above the tilt membrane, the rolled water droplet can be stopped after a small displacement. In addition, a 12 μl water droplet can be quickly captured from a hydrophobic surface by curvature change of the superhydrophobic TiO₂(B)/carbon nanofiber membrane. The membrane with excellent static and dynamic pinning performance to water may be expected to apply to biomedical and microfluidic devices.