Superhydrophobicity-mediated electrochemical reaction along the solid-liquid-gas triphase interface: edge-growth of gold architectures.

Wu, Yuchen; Liu, Kesong; Su, Bin; Jiang, Lei · Adv Mater · 2014

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A superhydrophobic pillar-structured electrode leads to uncommon electrochemical behavior. The anti-wetting reaction surface restricts the contact between electrolyte and electrode to the pillar tops, as a result of trapped air pockets in the gaps between pillars. The electrochemical reaction occurs mainly at the solid/liquid/gas triphase interface, instead of the traditional solid/liquid diphase surface, yielding unique edge-growth structures - for example gold microflowers - on the top of each pillar.