The Water Race: Hydrophobic & Hydrophilic Surfaces

This high school chemistry lesson provides an introduction to the engineering of an interfacial surface at the nanoscale. It demonstrates concepts of hydrophobic and hydrophilic behavior. Students will create (through chemical reactions) a hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface using a 2 nanometer think self assembled monolayer. This lesson requires the use of special chemicals which can be ordered from standard supply houses.