Preface

Surface sciences elucidate the fundamental aspects of physics and chemistry at a wide range of surfaces/interfaces of arbitrary objects. Nowadays, one of the emerging edges of surface sciences lies in micro-nano surface/interface structures of low-dimensional materials (0D, 1D, 2D) and three-dimensional (3D) materials, which are attracting great interest owing to their breakthroughs in high-performance applications. Among them, silicon, CVD graphene, graphene oxide, transition metal dichalcogenides, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, transparent conducting oxide, metal oxides, and so on emerge as representative materials for "the nano era of the twenty-first century" with intriguing characteristics in electronics and optoelectronics. On another edge of surface science, the wetting phenomenon is also a representative behavior that controls the equilibrium of the surface energy of a liquid deposited on a surface. The wettability of solid surfaces is raising considerable interest because of its novel applications in various fields, from microfluidics to chemistry. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the important achievements of surface science from the aspects of high-quality synthesis, surface modifications, smart coating based on nanoparticles, the wettability of various surfaces, and physics/chemistry characterizations, as well as theoretical growth kinetics of thin films.

This book is divided into five sections. The first section describes the synthesis processes and characteristics of thin films, and the second section discusses the etching and lithography techniques of thin films such as graphene and silicon. The third section explains the wetting and permeability behavior of materials. This section introduces readers to the wetting phenomenon and describes different types of wetting. It explains the static and dynamic contact angles of liquid, discusses the effect of roughness on the contact angles, and evaluates the impact of roughness on surface wettability. In addition, this section introduces smart surfaces with tunable wettability via external stimuli or suitable coatings. It presents various techniques such as electric field, temperature, light, mechanical strain, pH, and so on for tuning surface wetting properties, which are extremely useful for various commercial applications. The fourth section describes the electrospinning surface engineering technique for the development of surfaces with different wettability and potential industrial applications for the different electrospun fibrous coatings. It reviews the electrospinning process and describes in detail the design of superhydrophobic surfaces obtained by electrospun fibers. Finally, the fifth section shows the fabrication of a scanning probe using multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) tips as one of the best candidates for imaging material surfaces such as silicon pillars.

Chapter 1 introduces five basic stages of the film deposition process, including vapor adsorption, surface diffusion, the reaction of the adsorbed species with each other and the surface to form the bonds of the film material, nucleation, and microstructure formation. It also analyzes the influence of deposition process parameters on the three basic growth modes of films, focuses on the relationship between the control parameters of homoepitaxy and heteroepitaxy and the film structure, and gives the dynamic characteristics of each growth stage.

**II**

**Section 3**

*by Yeeli Kelvii Kwok*

in Its Fabrication

**Section 4**

**Section 5**

Wettability on Different Surfaces

Smart Surfaces with Tunable Wettability *by Meenaxi Sharma and Krishnacharya Khare*

*by Shivanjali Saxena and Rakesh Joshi*

Superhydrophobic Surfaces

*and Silvia González Prolongo*

*by Rongfu Wen and Xuehu Ma*

The Wettability and Permeability of Material Surfaces **113**

**Chapter 7 115**

**Chapter 8 125**

**Chapter 9 147**

**Chapter 10 167**

The Coating Techniques of Thin Film **187**

**Chapter 11 189**

**Chapter 12 207**

**Chapter 13 229**

Imaging of Silicon Pillars by MWCNT Tip **255**

**Chapter 14 257**

Microfluidic Devices: Applications and Role of Surface Wettability

Performance Evaluation and Mechanism Study of a Silicone Hydrophobic Polymer for Improving Gas Reservoir Permeability

Electrospinning Technique as a Powerful Tool for the Design of

*by Xoan Xosé Fernández Sánchez-Romate, Alberto Jiménez Suárez* 

Measuring the Blind Holes: Three-Dimensional Imaging of through

*by Pedro J. Rivero, Adrian Vicente and Rafael J. Rodriguez*

Advances in Dropwise Condensation: Dancing Droplets

Silicon via Using High Aspect Ratio AFM Probe *by Imtisal Akhtar, Malik Abdul Rehman and Yongho Seo*

Smart Coatings with Carbon Nanoparticles

*by Jie Zhang, Xu-Yang Yao, Bao-Jun Bai and Wang Ren*

Chapter 2 introduces various synthesis approaches for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) such as chemical deposition of vapor, discharge using electric arc, and laser ablation mechanisms, which are driven by functionalization, chemical addition, doping, and filing such that in-depth characterization and manipulation of CNTs is possible. In addition, the chapter discusses the elasticity, electromechanical, chemical, and optical properties of CNTs.

Chapter 3 provides a summary of semiconductors, bandgap theory, thin film applications and traditional thin-film processing methods, and the aerosol deposition technique of several materials for semiconductor devices.

Chapter 4 presents recent advances in new etching technologies for nanomaterials (e.g., graphene) as well as emerging applications based on these advanced technologies.

Chapter 5 is a significant contribution to the graphene industry as it explains the novel and modified fabrication techniques for ceramics–graphene hybrids. The improved physical properties may be used to set ceramics–graphene hybrids as a standard for electrical, mechanical, thermal, and energy applications. Further, silica–rGO hybrids may be used as dielectric materials for high-temperature applications due to improved dielectric properties. The fabricated nano assembly is important from a technological point of view, and may be further applied as electrolytes, catalysts, or conductive, electrochemically active, and dielectric materials for high-temperature applications. Finally, the chapter discusses porous carbon as a massive source of electrochemical energy for supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries.

Chapter 6 introduces methods of evaluation by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) based on a reciprocal space map, and methods of creating various atomically flat {111} and {100} side-surfaces of three-dimensional Si nano-architectures and tilted {111} facet-surfaces fabricated by lithography dry and wet etching processes followed by annealing treatment in a vacuum.

Chapter 7 presents the wetting phenomenon and describes different types of wetting. It also provides an introduction to static and dynamic contact angles of liquid as well as discusses the effect of roughness on the contact angle and evaluates the impact of roughness on surface wettability.

Chapters 8 and 9 discuss smart surfaces with tunable wettability and in situ surface wettability via external stimuli or suitable coatings. They discuss various techniques such as electric field, temperature, light, mechanical strain, pH, and so on for tuning surface wetting properties, which are extremely useful for various commercial applications.

Chapter 10 deals with the effects of an oligomeric organosilicon surfactant (OSSF) on wettability modification, surface tension reduction, invasion of different fluids, and fluid flow-back. It was found that the amount of spontaneous imbibition and remaining water could be reduced by the surfactant as a result of surface tension reduction and wettability alteration. Besides, the mechanism of OSSF includes the physical obstruction effect, surface tension reduction of external fluids, and wettability alteration of the reservoir generated. Meanwhile, quantum chemical

**V**

calculations indicate that the adsorbent layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) could decrease the affinity and adhesion of CH4 and H2O on the pore surface.

Chapter 11 examines the electrospinning surface engineering technique for the development of surfaces with different wettability and potential industrial applica-

Chapter 12 describes smart coatings such as polymer coatings, superhydrophobic and self-cleaning coatings, and nanocomposite coatings that are generally based on a polymer matrix doped with carbon nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes or graphene. These methods enhance the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of and confer new functionalities to materials, turning them into smart materials able to interact with the environment and respond appropriately to external stimuli, making them useful for applications such as health monitoring or resistive heating.

Chapter 13 summarizes the basics of interfacial wetting and droplet dynamics in the condensation process, discusses the underlying mechanisms of droplet manipulation for condensation enhancement, and introduces some emerging works to illustrate the power of surface modification. Moreover, this chapter provides perspectives for future surface design in the field of condensation enhancement.

Chapter 14 explores the scanning algorithm to scan various types of features above (protrusion) or below (holes) silicon pillar surfaces using the MWCNT tips as a scanning probe attached by dielectrophoresis and focused ion beam (FIB) treatment. This study reveals MWCNT as one of the best candidates to image nanomate-

Finally, the editors of this book wish to acknowledge all of the authors, members of the academic editorial board, service manager, and commissioning editor for their cooperation and contributions. We would also like to thank IntechOpen for giving

> **Phuong Pham** Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

> > **Pratibha Goel**

Indiana, USA

**Samir Kumar** Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

**Kavita Yadav**

Haryana, India

University of Notre Dame,

Department of Higher Education,

us the opportunity to complete this exciting book project.

tions for different electrospun fibrous coatings.

rials such as silicon pillars.

calculations indicate that the adsorbent layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) could decrease the affinity and adhesion of CH4 and H2O on the pore surface.

Chapter 11 examines the electrospinning surface engineering technique for the development of surfaces with different wettability and potential industrial applications for different electrospun fibrous coatings.

Chapter 12 describes smart coatings such as polymer coatings, superhydrophobic and self-cleaning coatings, and nanocomposite coatings that are generally based on a polymer matrix doped with carbon nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes or graphene. These methods enhance the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of and confer new functionalities to materials, turning them into smart materials able to interact with the environment and respond appropriately to external stimuli, making them useful for applications such as health monitoring or resistive heating.

Chapter 13 summarizes the basics of interfacial wetting and droplet dynamics in the condensation process, discusses the underlying mechanisms of droplet manipulation for condensation enhancement, and introduces some emerging works to illustrate the power of surface modification. Moreover, this chapter provides perspectives for future surface design in the field of condensation enhancement.

Chapter 14 explores the scanning algorithm to scan various types of features above (protrusion) or below (holes) silicon pillar surfaces using the MWCNT tips as a scanning probe attached by dielectrophoresis and focused ion beam (FIB) treatment. This study reveals MWCNT as one of the best candidates to image nanomaterials such as silicon pillars.

Finally, the editors of this book wish to acknowledge all of the authors, members of the academic editorial board, service manager, and commissioning editor for their cooperation and contributions. We would also like to thank IntechOpen for giving us the opportunity to complete this exciting book project.

> **Phuong Pham** Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

**Pratibha Goel** University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

> **Samir Kumar** Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

**Kavita Yadav** Department of Higher Education, Haryana, India

**IV**

applications.

Chapter 2 introduces various synthesis approaches for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) such as chemical deposition of vapor, discharge using electric arc, and laser ablation mechanisms, which are driven by functionalization, chemical addition, doping, and filing such that in-depth characterization and manipulation of CNTs is possible. In addition, the chapter discusses the elasticity, electromechanical, chemical, and

Chapter 3 provides a summary of semiconductors, bandgap theory, thin film applications and traditional thin-film processing methods, and the aerosol deposition

Chapter 4 presents recent advances in new etching technologies for nanomaterials (e.g., graphene) as well as emerging applications based on these advanced

Chapter 5 is a significant contribution to the graphene industry as it explains the novel and modified fabrication techniques for ceramics–graphene hybrids. The improved physical properties may be used to set ceramics–graphene hybrids as a standard for electrical, mechanical, thermal, and energy applications. Further, silica–rGO hybrids may be used as dielectric materials for high-temperature applications due to improved dielectric properties. The fabricated nano assembly is important from a technological point of view, and may be further applied as electrolytes, catalysts, or conductive, electrochemically active, and dielectric materials for high-temperature applications. Finally, the chapter discusses porous carbon as a massive source of electrochemical energy for supercapacitors and

Chapter 6 introduces methods of evaluation by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) based on a reciprocal space map, and methods of creating various atomically flat {111} and {100} side-surfaces of three-dimensional Si nano-architectures and tilted {111} facet-surfaces fabricated by lithography dry and wet etching processes followed by

Chapter 7 presents the wetting phenomenon and describes different types of wetting. It also provides an introduction to static and dynamic contact angles of liquid as well as discusses the effect of roughness on the contact angle and evaluates the

Chapters 8 and 9 discuss smart surfaces with tunable wettability and in situ surface wettability via external stimuli or suitable coatings. They discuss various techniques such as electric field, temperature, light, mechanical strain, pH, and so on for tuning surface wetting properties, which are extremely useful for various commercial

Chapter 10 deals with the effects of an oligomeric organosilicon surfactant (OSSF) on wettability modification, surface tension reduction, invasion of different fluids, and fluid flow-back. It was found that the amount of spontaneous imbibition and remaining water could be reduced by the surfactant as a result of surface tension reduction and wettability alteration. Besides, the mechanism of OSSF includes the physical obstruction effect, surface tension reduction of external fluids, and wettability alteration of the reservoir generated. Meanwhile, quantum chemical

technique of several materials for semiconductor devices.

optical properties of CNTs.

technologies.

lithium-ion batteries.

annealing treatment in a vacuum.

impact of roughness on surface wettability.

Section 1

Synthesis and Properties

of Thin Film

**1**

Section 1
