These Superhydrophobic Metals Won’t Sink

Researchers at the University of Rochester have engineered superhydrophobic aluminum tubes that remain buoyant—even when damaged—by laser-texturing their interiors to create micro- and nanoscale surface features. Reported in Advanced Functional Materials, the design traps a stable air layer that prevents water ingress, fundamentally rethinking buoyancy through surface engineering rather than sealed structures. The scalable approach opens new possibilities for resilient ships, floating platforms, and wave-energy harvesting systems, highlighting how micro/nanostructured materials can enable robust, real-world functionality.

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