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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
07:23
Light-induced Patterning and Grafting for Slippery Surfaces based on Silane-coated Nanoporous Structures
Published on: November 14, 2025
478
Classical density functional study of wetting transitions on nanopatterned surfaces
P Yatsyshin1, A O Parry2, C Rascón3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
Summary
Fluid adsorption on patterned surfaces shows complex behavior. Two phase transitions merge on thin stripes, creating a novel 2D-like wetting transition along walls.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Physical chemistry
- Materials science
Background:
- Simple fluids on substrates display complex surface phase behavior.
- Chemically patterned surfaces introduce competing phase transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate fluid adsorption on a planar wall with a chemically patterned stripe.
- Analyze the merging of unbending and pre-wetting transitions.
- Characterize the resulting two-dimensional-like wetting transition.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic density-functional theory.
- Analysis of intermolecular forces.
- Consideration of interfacial fluctuations.
Main Results:
- Two competing phase transitions (unbending and pre-wetting) were identified.
- For thin stripes, these transition lines merge.
- A novel two-dimensional-like wetting transition occurs along the walls.
Conclusions:
- The merging of phase transitions on patterned surfaces leads to new wetting phenomena.
- Intermolecular forces and fluctuations significantly influence these transitions.
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