Formation of Tunable Zinc Oxide Structures via Solution Method for use in Self-Cleaning Applications

ZnO crystal arrays were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. The hydrophobicity of the films can be regulated according to zinc ion precursor concentrations. Lower concentrations produce surfaces, which exhibited higher contact angles and increased surface roughness. Contact angles (CA) on these surfaces increased from 110° to 156° with decreasing concentration of zinc ion precursors, demonstrating controllable wetting behavior, which could be tailored according to concentration. Superhydrophobic surfaces (up to 155°) with low contact angle hysteresis were obtained after SAM modification.