Enhanced anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling properties of superhydrophobic Co/Sn–Ag coating prepared by one-step electrodeposition method

Superhydrophobic coatings are crucial in enhancing the anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling capabilities of substrates. Here, a superhydrophobic Co/Sn-Ag (E-CSA) coating with durability and efficiency was prepared on a carbon steel substrate via an efficient, straightforward, one-step electrodeposition technique. Under optimum parameters, the E-CSA coating with a spherical-like rough structure exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity, with a contact angle of 166.1° and a sliding angle less than 1.0°. Surface adhesion and water droplet dynamics were studied. The excellent hydrophobicity of the coating allowed water droplets to effectively eliminate surface pollutants. Simultaneously, the anti-/de-icing performance of the coating was substantially improved, and the freezing time was extended to 796 s at −10 ℃. The E-CSA coating retained its superior mechanical properties and chemical stability. Compared with bare steel, the E-CSA coating reduced corrosion current density in simulated salt water by three orders of magnitude. The coating exhibited effective resistance to Bacillus sp. and Phaeodactylum tricornutum because of the high hydrophobicity and intrinsic antibiofouling performance of the Ag nanoparticles. Thus, the developed superhydrophobic E-CSA coating with robust performance and endurance can offer dependable protection for metallic equipment used in marine environments.