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Temperature‐Triggered Collection and Release of Water from Fogs by a Sponge‐Like Cotton Fabric
Author(s) -
Yang Helen,
Zhu Haijin,
Hendrix Marco M. R. M.,
Lousberg Niek J. H. G. M.,
de With Gijsbertus,
Esteves A. Catarina C.,
Xin John H.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201204278
Subject(s) - superhydrophilicity , materials science , nanotechnology , sponge , polymer , service (business) , atmosphere (unit) , polymer science , composite material , meteorology , wetting , business , geology , paleontology , physics , marketing
A sponge‐like cotton fabric autonomously collects and releases water from fogs triggered by typical day‐and‐night temperature variations. The reversible switching between absorbing‐superhydrophilic/releasing‐superhydrophobic states results from structural changes of a temperature‐responsive polymer grafted on the very rough fabric‐surface. This material and concept presents a breakthrough into simple and versatile solutions for collection, uni‐directional flow, and purification of water captured from the atmosphere.