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Bioinspired Superspreading Surface: From Essential Mechanism to Application.
Weining Miao1,2, Ye Tian1,2, Lei Jiang1,2,3
1Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|May 16, 2022
Summary
Researchers propose "superspreading" to describe liquid dynamics on surfaces, introducing superspreading time (ST) and radius versus time (SRST) metrics. A new intrinsic wetting threshold (IWT) of ~65° for water is identified, enabling high-performance superspreading surface design.
Area of Science:
- Surface science
- Materials science
- Fluid dynamics
Background:
- Dynamic liquid behavior on surfaces is crucial, with superspreading surfaces offering applications in film fabrication and antibiofouling.
- Traditional equilibrium contact angle (CA) is insufficient to describe dynamic spreading; superspreading speed and a new intrinsic wetting threshold (IWT) are key.
- The long-held IWT of 90° is challenged, necessitating a re-evaluation of surface wettability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formally propose the concept of "superspreading" and introduce quantitative metrics: superspreading time (ST) and the curve of superspreading radius versus spreading time (SRST).
- To review natural examples of superspreading surfaces and understand their adaptive strategies.
- To elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of superspreading across multiple length scales and propose design principles for high-performance surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing natural superspreading surfaces and their survival/functional strategies.
- Investigating the molecular origin of a newly discovered intrinsic wetting threshold (IWT) of ~65° for water.
- Analyzing the roles of nanostructure and microstructure in macroscopic superspreading phenomena.
- Summarizing methods for modifying surface composition and structure to achieve superspreading.
Main Results:
- Formal proposal of "superspreading" with quantitative metrics ST and SRST.
- Identification of a new intrinsic wetting threshold (IWT) of ~65° for water, revising the traditional 90° threshold.
- Understanding of multi-length scale mechanisms, including molecular origins and structural contributions (nano/micro) to superspreading.
- Development of design principles for high-performance superspreading surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Superspreading is a critical dynamic phenomenon that requires new quantification methods (ST, SRST) beyond static contact angles.
- The intrinsic wetting threshold (IWT) for water is revised to ~65°, impacting the design of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces.
- Understanding multi-scale mechanisms allows for the rational design of advanced superspreading surfaces with diverse applications.
- Further research and development are needed to address challenges and promote large-area applications of superspreading surfaces.
