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Unidirectional Liquid Manipulation Via an Integrated Mesh with Orthogonal Anisotropic Slippery Tracks
Author(s) -
Li Peng,
Cao Moyuan,
Bai Haoyu,
Zhao Tianhong,
Ning Yuzhen,
Wang Xinsheng,
Liu Kesong,
Jiang Lei
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201904446
Subject(s) - wetting , materials science , penetration (warfare) , anisotropy , liquid crystal , nanotechnology , mechanical engineering , mechanics , computer science , optics , optoelectronics , composite material , physics , operations research , engineering
The rational manipulation of fluid behavior by functional interfaces plays an indispensable role in the development of advanced materials and devices involving liquid/solid interactions. Previous examples of the liquid “diode” that allows fluid penetration in only one direction rely mainly on the remarkable wettability gradient/contrast. Inspired by the wetting phenomena of the rice leaf and the Pitcher plant, an integrated mesh with orthogonal anisotropic slippery tracks (IMOAS) is presented here that can realize similar unidirectional droplet penetration using a distinct mechanism. The unidirectional droplet penetration can be conveniently switched via the 90° rotation of the IMOAS, showing a highly controllable liquid manipulation. The droplet tends to slip on the surface, which can maximize the contact area between the liquid and the tracks, and complies with the principle of the lowest surface energy. Based on this unique liquid controlling strategy, droplet manipulation of the IMOAS during fog harvesting and droplet self‐regulation has been conducted to illustrate its potential applications. The current design could aid the understanding of liquid unidirectional penetration and unlock additional possibilities for the optimization of fluid‐related systems.