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Nepenthes pitcher plant inspired bio-polymer embedded porous surfaces for oil aquaplaning
Bethany Orme1, Alex Jenkins2, Matthew Unthank1
1Faculty of Science and Environment , Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
Abstract:
The Nepenthes pitcher plant has inspired surfaces employing a liquid barrier that shields the surface from contaminants. However, such liquid-infused oil-repellent surfaces employ toxic fluorocarbons or unstable polar liquids. Here, we develop a bio-friendly oil-repellent surface using a food-grade bio-polymer coating on a nanoporous surface. By mimicking the pitcher plant's nectar lining, the food-grade polymer absorbs water enhancing its stability against drainage and evaporation. The water-based lubricant is non-toxic, compatible with humid environments and replenishes simply by exposure to nebulized water droplets. Our surfaces demonstrate lubrication-induced oil and solid repellence and have substantial transformative potential in applications like oil-water separation, anti-fouling and food packaging.
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