In this paper, we review different plasma processes developed in our laboratory to obtain nanostructured superhydrophobic polymer surfaces. All methods consist of a single step and lead to functional materials which combine a fluorinated chemistry with unique surface morphologies. The transition from sticky to slippery superhydrophobicity, crucial for several applications ranging from microfluidics to outdoor self‐cleaning surfaces, is found by properly tuning process parameters. Methods are compared in terms of process time‐scale and compatibility to different substrates. magnified image

A novel lead-free 2D perovskite, namely PEA₂SnBr₄, shows impressive water-resistance by retaining its original crystal structure and optical properties when placed in contact with water. Such key properties have been advantageously used for the fabrication of a novel co-catalytic system by coupling PEA₂SnBr₄ with graphitic carbon nitride. PEA₂SnBr₄/g-C₃N₄ composites at different metal halide perovskite loadings (5 and 15 wt%) have been prepared and tested in hydrogen photogeneration in an aqueous environment and organic dye degradation (methylene blue). The results show an impressive enhancement of H₂ production of the composite with respect to the two separate components with hydrogen evolution rates up to 1600 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and analogous improvements in the efficiency of methylene blue degradation. The present results, providing a novel water-resistant perovskite and co-catalytic system, pave the way towards the safe, efficient and real use of metal halide perovskites in catalysis.

Atmospheric pressure plasma allows for the easy modification of materials’ surfaces for a wide range of technological applications. Coupling the aerosol injection of precursors with atmospheric pressure plasma largely extends the versatility of this kind of process; in fact solid and, in general, scarcely volatile precursors can be delivered to the plasma, extending the variety of chemical pathways to surface modification. This review provides an overview of the state of the art of aerosol-assisted atmospheric pressure plasma deposition. Advantages (many), and drawbacks (few) will be illustrated, as well as hints as to the correct coupling of the atomization source with the plasma to obtain specific coatings. In particular, the deposition of different organic, hybrid inorganic–organic and bioactive nanocomposite coatings will be discussed. Finally, it will be shown that, in particular cases, unique core–shell nanocapsules can be obtained.