Large-scale efficient water harvesting using bioinspired micro-patterned copper oxide nanoneedle surfaces and guided droplet transport

Abstract

As the Earth's atmosphere contains an abundant amount of water as vapors, a device which can capture a fraction of this water could be a cost-effective and practical way of solving the water crisis.

Copper Oxide Microtufts on Natural Fractals for Efficient Water Harvesting

“…For example, in our previous study, we have shown that high-density CuO nanoneedle-like morphology can be obtained by blocking the Cu layer by bisulfate ions during the oxidation process. 7 …”

“…Micro/nanostructures, such as the CuO microtufts in this work, aid in the initial capture of the fog droplets from the fog stream. 7 , 48 In the case of superhydrophilic surfaces, these microstructures expand the area of the surface that encounters the fog/mist stream, which enhances the capture of the fog droplets. The wettability gradient arising from the microtufts drives the water film along the skeleton surface.…”

“… 6 Apart from the desalination of seawater, water collection from the atmosphere (moisture and fog) is a promising method to address the water crisis. 7 − 9 This method is relatively simple, cost-effective, and is a sustainable way for water collection.…”

“… 41 In our previous work, we have also proposed the use of leaf-inspired superhydrophilic tracks for efficient water transport and collection. 7 In meshlike designs also, the importance of efficient transport of water has been demonstrated and bioinspired designs have been used to facilitate water collection.…”

A strategy for preparing controllable, superhydrophobic, strongly sticky surfaces using SiO2@PVDF raspberry core–shell particles

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] However, in applications like microdrop manipulation, water harvesting, microuidic transportation, chemical/biological separation, microanalysis, and in situ detection, a sticky surface is necessary. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] This is generally achieved using the rose petal effect, which corresponds to the Wenzel wetting state. 23 Such surfaces are fabricated by chemical etching, plasma treatment, photolithography, chemical vapor deposition, chemical coating, and using colloidal particles.…”