# Non-Wettable Galvanic Coatings for Metal Protection: Insights from Nature-Inspired Solutions

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how nature-inspired coatings can protect metals by mimicking natural surfaces that repel water and oils, but more real-world testing is needed.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of strategies for fabricating corrosion-resistant metallic coatings inspired by natural wetting behaviors.

## Key findings

- Electrodeposited coatings can mimic natural superhydrophobic and superoleophobic properties.
- Post-treatment and functionalization methods enhance coating performance.
- Long-term durability under natural conditions remains untested.

## Abstract

Natural surfaces, such as lotus leaves, springtail cuticles, and pitcher plant peristomes, exhibit extraordinary wetting behaviors due to their unique surface topographies and chemical compositions. These natural architectures have inspired the development of wettability models and the production of artificial surfaces with tailored wettability for advanced applications. Electrodeposited metallic coatings can imitate the wettability behaviors of natural surfaces, showing superhydrophobic, superoleophobic, or slippery characteristics. Such coatings can significantly enhance corrosion resistance by minimizing water–metal contact and promoting self-cleaning effects. This review presents various strategies for fabricating corrosion-resistant metallic coatings, including different electrodeposition techniques in aqueous or non-aqueous baths, followed by post-treatment procedures and surface functionalization methods. However, despite the promising protective properties demonstrated under controlled laboratory conditions, long-term studies under natural exposure conditions are still lacking, which limits the full assessment of the durability and effectiveness of non-wettable electroplated deposits in practical applications.