The spreading of pesticide droplets on the surface of superhydrophobic plants is an important process, which can prevent the inadequate retention such as bouncing, splashing, and drifting, thereby improving the efficiency of pesticide utilization and reducing soil and groundwater pollution. Herein, we report an approach to fabricate a supramolecular amphiphilic system that significantly contributes to this issue. The hydrophilic amino-pillar[5]arene was synthesized, which could form vesicles with the hydrophobic long-chain guest. This host-guest complex decreased the surface tension, which greatly promotes the spreading of droplets. This study provides a new strategy for prolonging pesticide retention and reducing pesticide loss.
Keywords: droplet spreading; host−guest interaction; pillar[5]arenes; superhydrophobic surface; supramolecular amphiphilic complex.