Superhydrophobic surface formation and modulation in a biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride derivative self-assembly system via changing alkyl chain lengths

A series of organogelators ( C4 , C6 , C12 and C18 ) based on biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride derivative were designed and synthesized. The organogels could be obtained via self-assembly of the biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride derivatives in some frequently-used solvents. The organogels were thoroughly characterized using various microscopic techniques including field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis and fluorescence spectra, contact angle. Interestingly, superhydrophobic surface was formed via the self-assembly of compound C12 in petroleum ether and exhibited the lotus-effect. The surface wettability could be modulated via changing alkyl chain lengths. The π–π stacking and van der Waals force were possible the main driving forces for gel formation. This gel system held promise for soft materials application in upscale superhydrophobic surface materials.