Azido platform surfaces for post-functionalization with aromatic groups using the Huisgen reaction to obtain high water adhesion

In this work, we report platform post-modifications using the Huisgen reaction. Various platform surfaces were developed and post-functionalized with aryl side chains. The development of different conducting polymer platforms allows the study of the impact of the starting surface on the modified surface properties. Also in this work, different aryl side chains were investigated (with 1, 2, 3 or 4 aromatic rings) in order to investigate the impact of the side chain on the final surface feature. All the combinations (surface vs aryl side chain) were investigated for their wettability. Highly hydrophobic features were observed with apparent contact angles higher than 140° and extremely high water adhesion. Surface morphologies were also investigated and important changes in morphology were observed after surface post-functionalization. The reported strategy to develop various highly hydrophobic surfaces with high water adhesion feature can be a powerful strategy for water trap elaboration.