Flexible Superomniphobic Surface Enabling Ultrafast Shattering of Organic Droplets under Extreme Impacts
Abstract
Achieving robust superomniphobic surfaces capable of repelling both high- and low-surface-tension liquids (e.g., water, organic solvents) under dynamic conditions remains a challenge. Nature-inspired structures, such as T-shaped or hierarchical architectures, advance static repellency but often fail under high-speed impacts, as minimized solid fractions reduce capillary pressure and allow liquid penetration. Here, we present a flexible, springtail-inspired superomniphobic surface with an optimized solid fraction (∼0.15) that unites strong static repellency with exceptional dynamic resistance. The surface sustains organic droplet shattering at impact velocities up to 4.4 m s –1, the highest reported for artificial superomniphobic surfaces. Under extreme impacts, droplets undergo hierarchical-structure-induced fragmentation and rapid film rupture, enabling retraction-free rebound and an ∼59% reduction in contact time. This behavior reproduces the shattering dynamics of natural organisms and, in certain regimes, exceeds natural benchmarks. Our findings establish design principles for mechanically adaptive, impact-resilient superomniphobic surfaces with potential applications in protective coatings and self-cleaning materials.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer
Pickering emulsions and particle stabilization
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ACS Nano
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 7260–7268
- Publication date
- 20 February 2026
- Language
- EN