Crosslinked polymer nanotubes are large scale synthesized. The method is based on fast cationic polymerization using immiscible initiator nanodroplets. Nanoporous network processed from the nanotubes is superhydrophobic, which can absorb all the tested organic chemicals forming robust gels. The nanotubes are promising in the collection of spilled organic chemicals, detoxification and water treatment.

We demonstrate a one-step approach toward the large-scale fabrication of robust superhydrophobic coatings using strawberry-like hemispherical Janus particles. Hemispherical Janus particles are capable of self-organizing into a layer on substrates. Nanoscale roughness on the hydrophobic hemispherical side determines the superhydrophobic performance. The imidazolin group on the hydrophilic flat side determines the coating strength by covalent binding onto substrates via cations initiating the crosslinking of the intermediate epoxy resins. The coating can tolerate organic solvents and high water flushing speeds. If the hydrophobic side is smooth, then the coating is highly adhesive to water. This procedure can fabricate unique coatings on a diverse range of substrates with varied compositions and shapes.