Shutao Wang, Xinjian Feng, Jiannian Yao, Lei Jiang, ^*

Tungsten oxide films prepared by a facile electrochemical deposition process provide the first example of a dual surface functionality. The reversible switch of wettability between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity is realized by alternating irradiation with UV light and storage in the dark; this phenomenon is accompanied by photochromism. This study suggests that tungsten oxide materials and other semiconductor oxides with responsive redox properties have a promising future for use in dual- and multifunctional switches in new technological applications such as smart functional windows, microfluidic devices, and bioanalysis.

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2006, Vol. 45, p.1264－1267.)

Figure Water-drop profiles for the photoresponsive switch between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity (upper) and the SEM image of tungsten oxide film (lower).