Recent advances in fluorinated superhydrophobic materials: Preparation and diverse applications

Fluorinated materials have attracted significant attention in the field of superhydrophobicity due to their low surface energy, facilitating diverse and widespread applications. This review summarizes recent advancements in research on fluoropolymer-based superhydrophobic materials. Initially, the widely recognized theoretical models underlying superhydrophobicity are discussed, along with an exploration of the fundamental mechanisms contributing to the hydrophobic properties of fluorine. Subsequently, a detailed overview of fabrication strategies for fluorine-containing superhydrophobic surfaces is presented. These strategies encompass various methods, including phase separation, sol-gel processing, coating techniques, chemical vapor deposition, layer-by-layer self-assembly, template replication, and electrospinning methodologies. Additionally, recent developments in the practical applications of superhydrophobic materials are reviewed, including self-cleaning surfaces, anti-icing properties, antibacterial surfaces, oil-water separation. At the same time, the recent research progress on the robustness of fluorinated superhydrophobic surfaces is summarized. Finally, the factors limiting the development and use of fluoropolymers in superhydrophobic environments are thoroughly analyzed, along with outlooks on future advancements in the field.