Self-organized, self-standable thin films with omniphobicity for optical or medical applications

Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) that were both highly transparent and free-standing (selfstandability) were newly fabricated by an extremely simple process using non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) of a fluoric polymer solution. We call these "Gel-SLIPS." In previous reports, SLIPS fabrication required complex processes, high annealing temperatures, and drying. Here, Gel-SLIPS was fabricated from the adjusted solution and the lubricant at room temperature and pressure in 5 min by squeegee, cast, or dip methods. NIPS is based on a quick phase separation and self-organization process in situ, and reduction of the surface energy is not required because of the considerable fluorine in solution. Moreover, because of the flexible nanonetwork structure of fluoropolymer, Gel-SLIPS exhibited self-standability and high transmittance (>87% at 600 nm). Gel-SLIPS is thus highly versatile in terms of the fabrication process and film characteristics suitable for optical or medical applications.