Multifunctional surface designed by nanocomposite coating of polytetrafluoroethylene and TiO(2) photocatalyst: self-cleaning and superhydrophobicity

Multifunctional surface, having both a superhydrophobic property and a photocatalytic self-cleaning property, was designed through a nanocomposite coating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and TiO(2) photocatalyst onto a flat quartz glass with a precise structural controlling by applying a radio frequency magnetron sputtering deposition technique. Systematic water contact angle measurements were carried out in relation to the controlling of the surface structure such as size, height and others. Surface wettability gradually changes from Wenzel state to Cassie-Baxter state by controlling of the surface structure, resulting in a well water repellent behavior. Under irradiation of UV light, nanocomposite coating with a desired surface structure and composition realized an adequate photocatalytic self-cleaning property for keeping a clean surface and inducing unique surface wettability changes.