Extremely durable biofouling-resistant metallic surfaces based on electrodeposited nanoporous tungstite films on steel

Alexander B. Tesler (), Philseok Kim, Stefan Kolle, Caitlin Howell, Onye Ahanotu and Joanna Aizenberg ()
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Alexander B. Tesler: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Philseok Kim: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University
Stefan Kolle: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Caitlin Howell: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Onye Ahanotu: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University
Joanna Aizenberg: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Formation of unwanted deposits on steels during their interaction with liquids is an inherent problem that often leads to corrosion, biofouling and results in reduction in durability and function. Here we report a new route to form anti-fouling steel surfaces by electrodeposition of nanoporous tungsten oxide (TO) films. TO-modified steels are as mechanically durable as bare steel and highly tolerant to compressive and tensile stresses due to chemical bonding to the substrate and island-like morphology. When inherently superhydrophilic TO coatings are converted to superhydrophobic, they remain non-wetting even after impingement with yttria-stabilized-zirconia particles, or exposure to ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures. Upon lubrication, these surfaces display omniphobicity against highly contaminating media retaining hitherto unseen mechanical durability. To illustrate the applicability of such a durable coating in biofouling conditions, we modified naval construction steels and surgical instruments and demonstrated significantly reduced marine algal film adhesion, Escherichia coli attachment and blood staining.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9649

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