Laser Structuring of Underwater Bubble-Repellent Surface.

Bubbles in aqueous media are pervasive and unavoidable. However, underwater gas bubbles adhesion to the metal pipework can sometimes seriously damage the surface and reduce the useful life of devices. Herein, we report a simple way to fabricate underwater bubble-repellent surface by one-step femtosecond laser direct writing technology. The as-prepared surface exhibits superhydrophilicity in air and superaerophobicity in water, and the bubble contact angles reach 159±2.5° in water. The surface presents ultralow bubble adhesion, and the rolling angle of the bubble is small. The potential mechanism is also discussed. This method offers an easy route to prepare underwater superaerophobic surfaces with ultralow bubble adhesion, and it has potential applications in underwater bubble-repelling facilities.