Large-scale fabrication of translucent and repairable superhydrophobic spray coatings with remarkable mechanical, chemical durability and UV resistance

In this work, we present a simple and effective silica–polymer-based spray coating to create a translucent, mechanically durable, chemically stable, healable and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic coating with UV resistance. The coatings retained superhydrophobicity after UV radiation for at least 175 hours, heating up to 150 °C, exposure to strong acids and bases, and various mechanical durability tests such as knife scraping, hand kneading, and multiple cycles of tape peeling 100 times. In addition, the coating treated sponge was used for continuous oil–water separation through connection with a vacuum system, the separation efficiency was greater than 95% for various liquid hydrocarbons. This substrate-independent spray coating is believed to be useful for large-scale application for both outdoor and indoor applications.