An Acid–Base Proton Transfer Approach to Robust Superhydrophobic Self-Cleaning Surfaces for the Corrosion Protection of Magnesium

In this study, an acid-base proton transfer method was used to fabricate functional coatings on Mg surfaces with the cooperative effect of durable superhydrophobic and exceptional self-cleaning properties, providing high-efficiency corrosion protection. In this context, aluminum chloride served as a precursor for the direct growth of aluminum hydroxide on the Mg surface. Without the addition of any solvent, the densely arranged absolute palmitic acid was strongly bonded to the grown aluminum hydroxide on the Mg substrate, which acted as an effective anti-water barrier that can impede the penetration of water, as well as the oxygen and chloridion involved.