A general method for the incorporation of nanoparticles into superhydrophobic films by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition

A general method for the synthesis of a novel class of superhydrophobic polymer thin films with embedded nanoparticles is presented. These materials combine the superhydrophobic nature of silicone polymer matrices and the properties of the nanoparticles for photocatalysis, magnetic applications, or high surface area catalysis. The films themselves are deposited using a one-pot aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) process, and are characterised using electron microscopy, X-ray dispersive spectroscopy, water contact angle and bouncing measurements and elemental mapping. We show that these materials demonstrate multifunctional behaviour through magnetic, catalytic and superhydrophobic measurements.