Biomimetic high-efficiency fog collector based on fractal spiral structure

Fog collection provides a promising solution to the freshwater shortage. However, the efficiency of conventional fog collection apparatus is significantly reduced under the complex and variable natural conditions. Furthermore, fog collectors are usually plagued by intricate designs and inadequate durability, resulting in degradation of their structural and surface integrity over time. This deterioration consequently impacts the efficiency of mist collection. In the present study, for preparing a one-piece, simple and efficient fog collector that is insensitive to the direction of the fog flow, a variety of bionic structures were combined with a spiral spring structure designed by the fractal concept. The maximum fog collection efficiency of the finished product is about 0.29 g∙min^-1∙cm^-2, which can be up to 4.53 times that of the equivalent fog collection planes and 1.81 times that of the unmodified original structure. In addition, the preparation process is straightforward with one-step forming, while the collector maintains a high fog collecting level after various durability tests.