With the increasing energy demand, the need for coating materials with special superhydrophobicity has increased enormously. At the same time, fluorinated compounds, solvent-based synthetic materials and polymeric materials have been widely used, which resulted in higher levels of microplastics and pollutants, limiting their productivity and large-scale applicability. Here, a self-curing, solvent-free and recyclable polymer material was used along with micro- and nano-sized SiO2 to create roughness, resulting in the superhydrophobic coatings with a contact angle of over 170° with low sliding angle. The influence of size (5 and 6.5 µm) and its ratio to n-SiO2 on the superhydrophobicity of coatings was investigated. This superhydrophobic coating was initially studied using various analytical techniques and used for self-cleaning, antifouling and anti-corrosion applications as well as for its stability in hot water, steam and ultrasound. In both cases, 5 and 6.5 µ-SiO2 mixed with n-SiO2 show excellent improvement in antifouling properties. Meanwhile, 5µ-SiO2 incorporated with n-SiO2 shows much higher resistivity in 62 cycles sandpaper abrasion test and maintains contact angle above 150°, which is lower in the case of 6.5 µ-SiO2 with 30 cycles. The result suggests that the larger micro particles offer less resistance to the applied force due to their irregularly rough surface. However, when the forces are lower, as in the case of water drop tests, both 5 and 6.5 µ-SiO2 coatings have a drop resistance of 3000. In addition, the obtained results of electrochemical polarization curve, AC impedance analysis and seawater immersion tests indicate the robustness of superhydrophobic material in terms of corrosion resistance. Due to its simplicity and environmental friendliness, we believe this superhydrophobic coating has great potential for the energy sector. Their anti-scale and heat resistance performance particularly benefits hot water boilers in thermal power generation by preventing the scale formation and loss of efficiency.

He has developed 9 commercial products for Indian Bentonite Industries (Jani Clays Ltd) for wastewater treatment and polymer nanocomposite applications. He also serves as section editor and guest editor of the Elsevier and Bentham group of journals. His research activities focus on the synthesis of functional materials for environmental applications and the implementation of the practice of green chemistry for environmental pollution control. He actively serves as Secretary-General (2018) and committee member of the International Conference on Integrated and Innovative Solutions for a Circular Economy in Taiwan (2017, 2019-23) to promote a circular economy in Taiwan.