Effect of ferric chloride concentration on the surface micro-nano structure and superhydrophobic property of filter paper

The morphology of modified filter paper at the ferric chloride concentration of 0 mol/L (a); 0.1 mol/L (b); 0.3 mol/L (c); 0.5 mol/L (d); 0.7 mol/L (e); 0.9 mol/L (f). [Display omitted] •Effect of ferric chloride concentration on the surface micro-nano structure and superhydrophobic property of filter paper was investigated.•The surface of the modified paper displayed advancing CAs of 167 ± 2° and the SA of 5°.•This method could contribute to the development in production applications. Effect of ferric chloride concentration on micro-nano structure surface and superhydrophobic property of filter paper was investigated by adsorption and simple immersion process. The results showed that the concentration of ferric chloride solution had great impact on the superhydrophobic property of filter paper. When the concentration was 0 mol/L, filter paper presented hydrophilicity. When the concentration was bigger than 0 mol/L, it exhibited hydrophobicity. The modified filter paper’s surface displayed advancing contact angels of 167 ± 2°, which was attributed to its’ formed micro/nano structure. This may contribute to the development in production applications.