"Soapy water" transformation of the "condenser" with self-cleaning ability and antibacterial activity. (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kong, Linghao; Gu, Lingbiao; Yu, Laigui; Ma, Hongru; Zhang, Yong; Wang, Zhigang; He, Qiang; Chen, Xinhua; Zhang, Pingyu
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 286(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: Superhydrophobic -- Green method -- Soapy water -- One-step -- Antibacterial activity; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Superhydrophobic materials exhibit diverse application potential in various fields due to their excellent self-cleaning properties. However, it is still challenging to prepare bionic superhydrophobic materials employing the green methods. In this study, the "condenser" (simulated by a red copper spiral tube) with excellent self-cleaning properties and antibacterial activity has been prepared by a simple one-step "soapy water" immersion process without introducing any other reagents. The results demonstrate that the Cu[CH3 (CH2 )10 COO]2 lamellar nanostructures are formed on the surface of "condenser" owing to the oxidation of copper upon immersion in the sodium laurate aqueous solution. The as-formed nanostructures exhibit excellent self-cleaning performance and can significantly inhibit the growth and proliferation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which is significant for the upgradation of the safety and comfort features of the new generation air-conditioners. Moreover, the ruptured superhydrophobic coating on the copper tube can be effectively restored by a facile re-soaking process. Therefore, the present approach, with simple one-step solution-immersion process, low cost, short immersion period, environmental friendliness and optimal applicability to a variety of metal structures of different shapes, represents a promising strategy for fabricating the low-cost superhydrophobic surfaces applicable to the condenser and heat transfer systems, thereby, promoting the development of the self-cleaning and antibacterial smart devices. Graphical abstract: In this study, the superhydrophobic "condenser" have been prepared by a simple one-step "soapy water" immersion process. The as-prepared bionic nanostructure exhibits excellent self-cleaning ability, antibacterial activity, storage stability and corrosion resistance. In addition, the damaged surfaces can be restored by a simple re-immersion method, thus, exhibiting a significant potential for the development of the intelligent air-conditioning and/or air-exchange systems. Image 1 Highlights: The developed method is simple, low-cost and green. The preparation process is achievable in one step. The present approach is suitable to various metal and alloy substrates. The obtained condenser can be achieved excellent self-cleaning ability and antibacterial activity.