Switchable and reversible superhydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces by redox response using covalent S–S bond

Abstract Here we report for the first time the use of dithiolane as a platform for reversible surface functionalization with switchable water and oil-wettability. That platform allows the preparation of switchable superhydrophobic/hydrophilic surfaces and oleophobic/oleophilic surfaces. Based on a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) surface bearing dithiolane groups, this strategy allows the obtainment of reversible functionalization of surfaces with various thiol compounds. Interestingly, the use of fluorinated thiols also highly changes the surface morphology and porosity leading to superhydrophobic properties and highly oleophobic properties with water and oil reversibility. Dithiolane surfaces are the key platforms in order that switchable surfaces are prepared for a large range of applications.