Large-Area Patterning of Oil-Based Inks on Superhydrophobic TiO₂ Nanotubular Layers by Photocatalytic Wettability Conversion

• Main Authors: Jiao Jin, Huihui Ren, Zhaoyue Liu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
• Series: Catalysts
• Subjects: patterning; wettability difference; TiO₂; offset printing; photocatalysis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/10/10/1203

Patterning an oil-based ink on a solid surface based on a wettability difference is of significant importance for the application of offset printing. Herein, we describe a large-area patterning of oil-based ink on a self-organized TiO₂ nanotubular layer based on a photocatalytic wettability conversion. The TiO₂ nanotubular layer was fabricated by electrochemical anodization, which demonstrated a superhydrophobic wettability after modification with a self-assembled molecular layer. Subsequently, area-selective ultraviolet (UV) irradiation through a pre-designed pattern of water-based UV-resistant ink formed by an ink-jet technique was used to form a wettability difference. After removing the water-based ink, an oil-based ink was capable of depositing selectively on the superhydrophobic area to form the same pattern as the pre-designed pattern of water-based ink. This large-area patterning of an oil-based ink based on the photocatalytic wettability conversion is potentially applicable in offset printing.