A two-tier synthetic marvel for developing antibacterial, self-cleaning, durable, transparent, and superhydrophobic surfaces using zinc oxide - methyltrimethoxysilane hybrids

Functional materials based on glass have immense importance in various aspects of our daily lives. However, their practical applications are hindered by surface deformation caused by prolonged exposure to water and bacterial erosion. This study proposes a two-tier synthetic approach to develop hybrid superhydrophobic glass surfaces with distinctive petal effects, which mimic natural non-wettability observed in rose petals. The superhydrophobic glass surfaces were prepared by initially developing a coating of ZnO nanorods on glass slides via a hydrothermal epitaxial method that imparts hydrophobicity to the glass surface and by applying a coating of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) further for the transition from hydrophobic glass surfaces to superhydrophobic surfaces. Studies on roughness, morphology, and chemical structure as well as quantitative and qualitative antibacterial studies of the coatings were carried out. The obtained self-cleaning glass slides exhibited remarkable bacterial repellence and displayed excellent antibacterial properties. By combining the unique characteristics of ZnO nanorods and MTMS coating, the developed ZnO-MTMS (ZOMS) hybrid surfaces offer enhanced water repellence, self-cleaning capabilities, and effective antibacterial activity. Thus, the hybrid surface holds great promise for various exterior and interior applications, particularly in health care, optical devices, architectural design, and automotive industries.