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Superhydrophobic Surfaces based on TiO2 Nanostructures, Synthesis and Applications
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- Author / Creator
- Hua,Weidi
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Multiple superhydrophobic surfaces are fabricated based on TiO2 nanostructures, which have a wide swathe of potential applications in industry, where hydrophobic surfaces are in great demand. Three different fabrication methods − electrochemical anodization, hydrothermal formation, and spray coating, are all used to generate different nanostructures in order to adapt to different surfaces and environments; each is also a simple and low cost method of synthesis. These fabricated surfaces are proven to be resistant to harsh conditions such as ultrasound vibration, water fouling, as well as abrasion, and experiments are performed to demonstrate these properties. Among them, the surface that is produced by hydrothermal synthesis is optically transparent, which is desirable in applications such as stain-free car windshields or superhydrophobic spectroscopy windows. Finally, an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device is also fabricated on the hydrophobic surface, as it aligns well with the construction of a typical EWOD device, using TiO2 instead of a dielectric polymer. Actuation of a liquid is observed on these devices, as seen in the change of contact angle.
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- Subjects / Keywords
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2018
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission.