One-pot preparation of fluorinated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for liquid marble formation and superhydrophobic surfaces

One-pot synthesis of fluorinated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FMSNs) is reported. Uniform mesoporous nanoparticles are prepared by condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and fluoroalkyl containing organotriethoxy silane monomers, respectively. The method enables selective deposition of fluorine atoms on the surface of the particles. FMSNs are used to prepare stable liquid marbles with water. An organo-modified silica sol is used with FMSNs to prepare mechanically stable superhydrophobic surfaces (water contact angle of 161 degrees). The mechanical stability of the surface is investigated with water dripping and adhesive tape tests. The prepared FMSNs are promising building blocks for robust, large-area, and multifunctional self-cleaning surfaces.