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Self-Propelling Water Droplets on Conical Spikes with Sawtooth Surface Structure
Abubaker S Omer1, Aikifa Raza1, TieJun Zhang1
1Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 16, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed 3D-printed conical spikes with sawtooth and imbricated structures for efficient directional fluid transport. Sawtooth structures enhance droplet mobilization for passive fog harvesting, doubling water collection rates with smaller spacing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Fluid Dynamics
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Directional fluid transport is essential for various applications, including water and energy solutions.
- Passive fog harvesting relies on efficient droplet movement and collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of 3D-printed conical spikes with specific surface structures for passive droplet transport.
- To optimize fog harvesting efficiency through engineered surface topographies.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of conical spikes with sawtooth and imbricated surface structures using high-resolution 3D printing.
- Experimental analysis of droplet motion and fog harvesting on different spike geometries.
- Quantitative measurement of capillary and hysteresis forces influencing droplet behavior.
Main Results:
- Sawtooth structures demonstrated superior droplet mobilization towards the spike base compared to imbricated and smooth surfaces.
- Imbricated surfaces exhibited higher hysteresis forces, leading to delayed droplet transport.
- Fog harvesting rates were significantly enhanced by sawtooth spikes, with closer teeth spacing (10 micrometers) yielding double the rate of wider spacing (20 micrometers).
Conclusions:
- The interplay between capillary and hysteresis forces governs self-propelled droplet motion on engineered surfaces.
- 3D-printed sawtooth conical spikes offer a promising approach for efficient passive fog water harvesting.
Keywords:
3D printingcapillaritydirectional transportfog harvestingsawtooth structureself-propulsionsurface wettabilityMore Related Videos
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