Exploration of halogen-free sustainable superhydrophobic materials for surface protection from multi-contaminants in all weather conditions

UV-visible turbidity measurements. Based on extensive studies, silane modified 25% Al-MCM-41 dispersed in acetonitrile exhibits exceptional water repellence with a water contact angle of 172.4 ± 0.7°. Higher electropositivity and the trivalent bonding nature of Al facilitate efficient silane modification and reduced surface OH concentration, leading to improved material hydrophobicity. Remarkable self-cleaning capability combined with durability and resilience towards diverse harsh conditions strengthen the practical viability of the designed material. Life cycle assessment (LCA) suggested that the material exhibits a smaller environmental footprint in terms of 18 selected midpoint indicators compared to the state-of-the-art materials.