Outstanding superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance on carbon-based film surfaces coupled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and nickel nano particles

In order to solve the problem of poor stability and repeatability of superhydrophobic films to improve its application in industrial production. In this study, nickel nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were doped into DLC films for the first time, and a robust superhydrophobic and corrosion resistance nanocomposite MWCNTs-Ni/a-C:H film was prepared via one-step electrochemical deposition under atmospheric pressure and low temperature. The as-prepared film surface had a static water contact angle measured as 158.89 and a sliding angle about 1.99, which is attributed to the micro-nanoscale hierarchical structure of the film surface. More importantly, the superhydrophobic nanocomposite MWCNTs-Ni/a-C:H film not only shows good mechanical property, but also has outstanding corrosion resistance and excellent self-cleaning ability. This research highlights a promising route for the preparation of robust superhydrophobic film, providing potential uses including self-cleaning, antifouling and anti-corrosion applications such as ship hulls and aeroplane wings.