Fabrication of superhydrophobic TiO2 quadrangular nanorod film with self-cleaning,anti-icing properties

Superhydrophobic TiO₂ quadrangular nanorod film was fabricated by hydrothermal reaction and stearic acid modification. X-ray diffractometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer were employed to characterize the surface crystal structures and chemical compositions of the superhydrophobic TiO₂ film, respectively. The effects of the titanium source (titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP)) amount and reaction time on the morphology and wettability of the TiO₂ film were studied by scanning electron microscope and contact angle meter. The results show that the diameter of the TiO₂ quadrangular nanorods increases and then the water contact angle on modified TiO₂ film decreases with the increase of the reaction time and TTIP amount. Moreover, when the TTIP amount is 0.3?mL and solvent is 30?mL, the wetted state of the superhydrophobic TiO₂ film surface conforms to an improved Cassie model. Besides, the superhydrophobic TiO₂ film shows good low adhesion, self-cleaning and anti-icing properties. Particularly, the anti-icing property decreases with the increase of the reaction time and TTIP amount.