One‐Step Synthesis of Dynamically Shaped Stiff Nanorods Using Soft Silicone Materials to Control Water Repulsion and Collection

Abstract One‐dimensional silicone nanostructures, such as filaments, wires, and tubes, have attracted significant attention, owing to their remarkable application capabilities in a large range of material and surface science. However, the soft mechanical properties of silicone cause vulnerability and irregularity in the synthesized structures, which limits their applications. Herein, a simple, solvent‐free, and efficient dynamic Droplet Assisted Growth and Shaping (d‐DAGS) strategy is proposed for the one‐step synthesis and in situ control of the shape of silicone nanostructures. The special designed bamboo‐shaped silicone nanorods (SNRs) that are produced by the repetitive dynamic regulation of growth conditions, concomitant with the periodic purging and injection of precursors, exhibit highly‐regular and tunable structure with a specific number of segments, indicating that they can be tailor‐made according to the requirements of various properties. The enhanced mechanical stiffness and chemical durability strongly support their excellent performances in water‐resistance under both static and dynamic wetting conditions. The SNRs significantly promote buoyancy and self‐cleaning properties; and exhibit very high water‐harvesting efficiency compared with existing designs. Notably, the well‐structured ultra‐long rods with an ultrahigh aspect ratio (≈176) can also be fabricated by the d‐DAGS method, and they can remain standing straight upwards and regular, even though they consist of flexible silicone.