Advances in the research of carbon-, silicon-, and polymer-based superhydrophobic nanomaterials: Synthesis and potential application

With the rapid development of science and technology, superhydrophobic nanomaterials have become one of the hot topics from various subjects. Due to their distinct properties, such as superhydrophobicity, anti-icing and corrosion resistance, superhydrophobic nanomaterials are widely used in industry, agriculture, defense, medicine and other fields. Hence, the development of superhydrophobic materials with superior performance, economical, practical features, and environment-friendly properties are extremely important for industrial development and environmental protection. Aimed to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the subsequent study on the preparation of composite superhydrophobic nanomaterials, this paper reviewed the latest progress in the research of superhydrophobic surface wettability and the theory of superhydrophobicity, summarized and analyzed the latest development of carbon-based, silicon-based and polymer-based superhydrophobic nanomaterials in terms of their synthesis, modification, properties and structure sizes (diameters), discussed the problems and unique application prospects of carbon-based, silicon-based and polymer-based superhydrophobic nanomaterials. [Display omitted] •This paper introduces the latest research on superhydrophobic surface wettability principles and theory.•Summarizes and analyzes the latest research progress of different substrate superhydrophobic nanomaterials.•Discusses the problems of different substrate superhydrophobic nanomaterials and their unique application prospects.•Prospects for future development of superhydrophobic nanomaterials.