Superhydrophobic surface formation and modulation in a biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride derivative self-assembly system via changing alkyl chain lengths

A series of organogelators (C4, C6, C12 and C18) based on biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride derivative were designed and synthesized. The organogels could be obtained via self-assembly of the biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride derivatives in some frequently-used solvents. The organogels were thoroughly characterized using various microscopic techniques including field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis and fluorescence spectra, contact angle. Interestingly, superhydrophobic surface was formed via the self-assembly of compound C12 in petroleum ether and exhibited the lotus-effect. The surface wettability could be modulated via changing alkyl chain lengths. The pi-pi stacking and van der Waals force were possible the main driving forces for gel formation. This gel system held promise for soft materials application in upscale superhydrophobic surface materials.