Mimicking a Stenocara beetle's back for microcondensation using plasmachemical patterned superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic surfaces.
A simple two-step plasmachemical methodology is outlined for the fabrication of microcondensor surfaces. This comprises the creation of a superhydrophobic background followed by pulsed plasma deposition of a hydrophilic polymer array. Microcondensation efficiency has been explored in terms of the chemical nature of the hydrophilic pixels and their dimensions. These results are compared to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic pattern present on the Stenocara beetle's back, which is used by the insect to collect water in the desert. Potential applications include fog harvesting, microfluidics, and biomolecule immobilization.
Garrod
R P
RP
Department of Chemistry, Science Laboratories, Durham University, Durham, England, U.K.
Harris
L G
LG
Schofield
W C E
WC
McGettrick
J
J
Ward
L J
LJ
Teare
D O H
DO
Badyal
J P S
JP
D000818:Animals; D002070:Butadienes / Q000737:chemistry; D002627:Chemistry, Physical / Q000379:methods*; D001517:Coleoptera; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry; D005461:Fluorine / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008956:Models, Chemical; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D002070:Butadienes; D020724:Elastomers; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; D005461:Fluorine; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; C028834:polybutadiene; D010100:Oxygen