Design and applications of surfaces that control the accretion of matter

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2021-07, Vol.373 (6552)
• Main Authors: Dhyani, Abhishek, Wang, Jing, Halvey, Alex Kate, Macdonald, Brian, Mehta, Geeta, Tuteja, Anish
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abrasion; Accretion; Accumulation; Algae; Antiinfectives and antibacterials; Bacteria; Biofilms; Body fluids; Chemical composition; Clathrates; Cleaning; Coatings; Commercialization; Condensates; Design; Durability; Environmental conditions; Fog; Fouling; Frost; Heat transport; Hydrophobic surfaces; Ice; Insects; Lubricants; Measuring instruments; Mobility; Organic Chemistry; Phase transitions; Prey; Proteins; Quality of life; Repellency; Solar energy; Spines; Substrates; Surface charge; Surface chemistry; Surface energy; Surface layers; Surface properties; Surface tension; Surgical implants; Transition temperatures; Turbine blades; Turbines; Water; Water harvesting; Water vapor; Wetting; Wind power
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.aba5010

The accumulation of foreign substances on a surface, whether it is dirt on a window or ice on an airplane wing, can lead to hazardous conditions. Many surfaces have been engineered to resist the accumulation of one type of fluid or matter in a particular state, but engineering broader resistivity has remained a challenge. For example, surfaces that repel water droplets may still be susceptible to fog accumulation. Dhyani et al. review the wetting performance and fouling resistance of different liquid-repellent coatings, focusing on superhydrophobic, superomniphobic, lubricant-infused, and liquid-like surfaces. Two key aspects are the performance of the surface to different foulants and the relevance of considering different length scales. Science , aba5010, this issue p. eaba5010 A Review describes advances in engineering solid and liquid surfaces to repel water, ice, and other fouling contaminants. Surfaces that provide control over liquid, solid, or vapor accretion provide an evolutionary advantage to numerous plants, insects, and animals. Synthetic surfaces inspired by these natural surfaces can have a substantial impact on diverse commercial applications. Engineered liquid and solid repellent surfaces are often designed to impart control over a single state of matter, phase, or fouling length scale. However, surfaces used in diverse real-world applications need to effectively control the accrual of matter across multiple phases and fouling length scales. We discuss the surface design strategies aimed at controlling the accretion of different states of matter, particularly those that work across multiple length scales and different foulants. We also highlight notable applications, as well as challenges associated with these designer surfaces’ scale-up and commercialization.