Laser-enabled organic coating for sustainable PFAS-free metal surfaces

Abstract

This study presents a laser-enabled organic coating (LASEO) approach that integrates laser texturing with gel-like carbon dot (G-CD) treatment to develop a PFAS-free alternative for metal surfaces. In this method, nanosecond laser-induced micro/nanostructures enhance coating adhesion, while the G-CD coating provides durable superhydrophilicity and even superwicking behavior. Experimental results show that LASEO-treated surfaces maintain a water contact angle below 10° for over 30 days, outperforming conventional hydrophilic coatings. This scalable technique holds promise for applications in fluid transport and thermal management, offering a sustainable alternative to PFAS-based coatings.