Wetting transitions on biomimetic surfaces

Abstract

Biomimetic hierarchical surfaces demonstrate a potential for a variety of green technologies, including energy conversion and conservation, owing to their remarkable water repellence. The design of such surfaces allowing emerging green applications remains a challenging scientific and technological task. Understanding the physical mechanism of wetting transitions (WTs) is crucial for the design of highly stable superhydrophobic materials. The main experimental and theoretical approaches to WTs are reviewed. Reducing the micro-structural scales is the most efficient measure needed to enlarge the threshold pressure of WTs. The trends of future investigations are envisaged.