Growing invisible silica nanowires on fused silica plates provides highly transparent and superwetting substrates

Although surface nanostructures greatly influence the optical and wetting properties of transparent materials, preparing such nanostructures efficiently can be challenging because most processes require sophisticated lithography and etching steps. In this study, we developed a simple, yet effective, approach for growing invisible silica nanowires on fused silica plates. With their high transparency and antifogging and superhydrophobic properties, these materials have great potential for use in windows, displays, solar cells, and other optoelectronics.