Method for decontamination with decontaminants

摘要

Reversibly switchable (transformable) surface layer changeable from (super)hydrophobic to (super)hydrophilic surface states are described. Methods of decontamination of surfaces exposed to contaminate are provided. The reversibly switchable properties of the surface layer can be controlled by an external stimulus.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
applying an external stimulus to a surface of a substrate; adjusting at least a portion of the surface from a first state to a second state, wherein either (i) the first state presents a substantially hydrophobic surface and the second state presents a substantially hydrophilic surface; or (ii) the first state presents a substantially hydrophilic surface and second state presents a substantially hydrophobic surface; contacting the surface in the second state with a fluid or gas, the fluid or gas having one or more decontaminating agents effective on one or more contaminates associated with the surface of the substrate; removing the external stimulus to the surface of the substrate, the surface transforming from the second state back to the first state, whereby at least a portion of the surface of the substrate is decontaminated.