• Applied Microscopy
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.201-205
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• 2016

Functional surfaces in nature have been continuously observed because of their ability to adapt to the environment. To this end, methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been widely used, and their wetting functions have been characterized via environmental SEM. We investigated the superhydrophobic hairy leaves of Pelargonium tomentosum, i.e., peppermint-scented geranium. Their surface features and wettability were studied at multiple-scales, i.e., macro-, micro-, and sub-micro scales. The surfaces of the investigated leaves showed superhydrophobicity at the macro-, and micro-scales. The wetting or condensing behavior was studied for molecule-size water vapors, which easily adhered to the hairy surface owing to their significantly lower size in comparison to that of the surface.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.691-695
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• 2017

Optimization study was carried out to improve the durability of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in alkaline fuel cell cathode by the use of highly stable PDMS superhydrophobic coating. Two different commercial GDLs were selected as substrates. Coating temperature and viscosity of PDMS were controlled for the stability of structure in microporous layer of GDL as well as uniform coating according to thermal characteristics of GDL. Regardless of PDMS viscosity, highly stable superhydrophobicities were obtained with both GDLs at $200^{\circ}C$. After the accelerated test, however, 28BC GDL coated with 1000 CS PDMS showed the best durability with the lowest loss of superhydrophobicity.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.02a
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• pp.97-97
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• 2013

The exterior structures of natural organisms have continuously evolved by controlling wettability, such as the Namib Desert beetle, whose back has hydrophilic/hydrophobic contrast for water harvesting by mist condensation in dry desert environments, and some plant leaves that have hierarchical micro/nanostructures to collect or repel liquid water. In this work, we have provided a method for wettability contrast on metals by both nano-flake or needle patterns and tuning of the surface energy. Metals including steel alloys and aluminum were provided with hierarchical micro/nanostructures of metaloxides induced by fluorination and a subsequent catalytic reaction of fluorine ions on metal surfaces in water with various ranges from room to boiling temperature of water. Then, a hydrophobic material was deposited on the structured surfaces, rendering superhydrophobicity. Plasma oxidization induces the formation of superhydrophilic surfaces on selective regions surrounded by superhydrophobic surfaces. We show that wettability contrast surfaces align liquid water within patterned hydrophilic regions during the condensation process. Furthermore, this method could have a greater potential to align other liquids or living cells.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.141-144
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• 2019

Oil-water separators are commonly used in the oily wastewater treatment for the reuse of water resources. Recently, various approaches have been conducted to design and manipulate the oil-water separator installed with highly functionalized membranes. Membrane technologies should encompass the selectivity, durability, economics and processability of materials, and effective oil water separators be also developed to exhibit the optimal performance of the materials. In this mini-review, we highlight the large scale fabrication of membrane materials and the effective design of oil water separators.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2012.08a
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• pp.122-122
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• 2012

The exterior structures of natural organisms have continuously evolved by controlling wettability, such as the Namib Desert beetle, whose back has hydrophilic/hydrophobic contrast for water harvesting by mist condensation in dry desert environments, and some plant leaves that have hierarchical micro/nanostructures to collect or repel liquid water. In this work, we have provided a method for wettability contrast on metals by both nano-flake or needle patterns and tuning of the surface energy. Metals including steel alloys and aluminum were provided with hierarchical micro/nanostructures of metaloxides induced by fluorination and a subsequent catalytic reaction of fluorine ions on metal surfaces in water with various ranges from room to boiling temperature of water. Then, a hydrophobic material was deposited on the structured surfaces, rendering superhydrophobicity. Plasma oxidization induces the formation of superhydrophilic surfaces on selective regions surrounded by superhydrophobic surfaces. We show that wettability contrast surfaces align liquid water within patterned hydrophilic regions during the condensation process. Furthermore, this method could have a greater potential to align other liquids or living cells.