Sunlight driven generation of superhydrophobic photocatalysts via self-diffusion of free oligomers in cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane
Chemical Engineering Journal, vol.548, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 548
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.cej.2026.179343
- Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO)
- Keywords: Anti-biofouling, Light-driven Superhydrophobicity, Oligomer self-diffusion, Photocatalyst, Polydimethylsiloxane
- Kayseri University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The integration of superhydrophobicity with photocatalytic functionality offers a powerful pathway toward surfaces capable of autonomous self-cleaning through both passive liquid repellency and active pollutant degradation. However, achieving this combination remains fundamentally challenging, as low-surface-energy modifiers often suppress photocatalytic activity or undergo photo-induced degradation. Here, we present a sunlight driven strategy for generating superhydrophobic photocatalyst surfaces by leveraging the self-diffusion of free oligomers in cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (CL-PDMS) films. By depositing hydrophilic photocatalyst nanoparticles onto CL-PDMS surfaces and exposing to sunlight, PDMS oligomers are selectively grafted onto the photocatalyst surface, creating a concentration gradient that directs the self-diffusion of PDMS free oligomers toward the air interface. This self-diffusion process transforms hydrophilic photocatalysts with a contact angle of ∼6° into superhydrophobic surface exhibiting contact angles of up to 170° and sliding angles as low as 2°, without compromising their photocatalytic performance. Our findings reveal that oligomer diffusion in CL-PDMS, traditionally regarded as an undesirable phenomenon, can instead be harnessed as a functional mechanism for precise control over surface properties. This work establishes a new materials paradigm where sunlight-induced polymer diffusion enables practical and sustainable fabrication of bifunctional superhydrophobic and photocatalytic surfaces for a broad range of applications.