Study of the Wettability of Hierarchical Superhydrophobic Surfaces

The study of wettability has attracted significant academic and industrial interest due to the scientific and technological potential of its properties. However, the relationship between the protective nature of surface topography and wettability is not yet fully understood, lacking an adequate theoretical model. To investigate this issue, thin films of metallic and non-metallic oxides will be deposited using the dip-coating method, in successive layers, to construct hierarchical surfaces. They will then be subjected to physical and chemical etching to achieve different levels of roughness. Subsequently, they will be functionalized to exhibit superhydrophobic behavior. The aim is to identify optimal experimental conditions, characterize topography and wettability, and assess protective properties. These evaluations will be carried out using different experimental techniques, either for mechanical resistance analysis, through profilometry, or for the study of superhydrophobic property retention after abrasion, using the sessile drop method. Optical analyses will also be conducted to investigate improvements in transmittance, particularly at wavelengths most relevant for the photovoltaic energy production of the samples. The experimental data obtained will be correlated with the theoretical model, aiming, based on the wettability and topography of hierarchical surfaces, to elucidate the role of micro- and nanostructures in maintaining wettability under abrasive conditions.