Bioinspired Slippery Surfaces for Liquid Manipulation from Tiny Droplet to Bulk Fluid

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Biomimetics

Background:

• Nature provides models for slippery surfaces with unique wettability, low friction, and adhesion.
• Bioinspired slippery surfaces are a rapidly advancing field with significant potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent progress in bioinspired slippery surfaces.
• To discuss fundamental concepts of wetting, friction, and drag mechanisms.
• To summarize state-of-the-art developments and emerging applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of natural slippery phenomena and creatures.
• Detailed discussion of micro- and macro-aspects of wetting, friction, and drag.
• Categorization of slippery surfaces: air-trapped, liquid-infused, and liquid-like.

Main Results:

• Overview of materials, design principles, and preparation methods for different slippery surface types.
• Highlighting of emerging applications across various fields.
• Identification of current challenges and future prospects in the field.

Conclusions:

• Bioinspired slippery surfaces offer unique properties derived from nature.
• Continued research is crucial for overcoming challenges and realizing full application potential.