Bioinspired Interfaces with Superwettability: From Materials to Chemistry.

Area of Science:

• Surface Science and Interfacial Chemistry
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Superwettability, encompassing superhydrophobicity/superhydrophilicity, has developed over a century, expanding to superoleophobicity/superoleophilicity and underwater applications.
• Research has moved beyond traditional 2D materials to explore 0D, 1D, and 3D structures for extreme wetting control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent advancements in superwettable materials and their interfacial chemistry.
• To discuss the evolution, fundamental principles, and applications of superwettable materials.
• To highlight the impact of superwettability on chemical reactions and material assembly.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of recent research on superwettable materials and their interfacial properties.
• Analysis of material structures, wetting liquids, and environmental conditions influencing superwettability.
• Examination of applications in chemical reactions, product collection, and nanoscale assembly.

Main Results:

• Development of diverse superwettable surfaces (superhydrophobic, superoleophobic, etc.) for various liquids and conditions (gas, underwater).
• Fabrication of functional interfacial materials with applications in self-cleaning textiles, oil/water separation, and water collection.
• Demonstration of superwettable materials influencing chemical reaction kinetics, product behavior, and nanoscale material organization.

Conclusions:

• Superwettability is a mature yet vibrant research area with significant potential in materials science and chemistry.
• Novel superwettable materials and interfacial phenomena offer new avenues for technological innovation and fundamental scientific understanding.
• Future developments are expected in advanced material design and broader applications in chemical processes.