An environmentally friendly copper-based superhydrophobic coating on steel substrate via electrodeposition to reduce corrosion

Steel is employed almost everywhere, including biomedical devices and surgical tools, domestic and industrial equipment, and transportation. However, steel is prone to deterioration during contact with water which leads to biofouling and corrosion, resulting in degradation in durability and function ability. Inspiration from nature, such as lotus leaves, is getting more attention to fabricating water-repellent superhydrophobic coatings on steel surfaces to solve aforesaid problems. In this present study, superhydrophobicity on steel surfaces was achieved by a two-step process: copper coating on the steel substrate via an environmentally friendly and time-efficient electrodeposition method, followed by immersion of copper-coated steel in long-alkyl chain solution. The wettability was measured through the water contact angle using the goniometer, which confirmed the achievement of superhydrophobicity. To demonstrate the application of this coating in a corrosive environment, a considerable reduction has been observed on the superhydrophobic surface.