Abstract
Dropwise condensation can be enhanced by superhydrophobic surfaces on which the condensate drops spontaneously jump upon coalescence. However, the self-propelled jumping in prior reports is mostly perpendicular to the substrate. Here, we propose a substrate design with regularly spaced micropillars. Coalescence on the sidewalls of the micropillars leads to self-propelled jumping in a direction nearly orthogonal to the pillars and therefore parallel to the substrate. This in-plane motion in turn produces sweeping removal of multiple neighboring drops. The spontaneous sweeping mechanism may greatly enhance dropwise condensation in a self-sustained manner.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 221601 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 106 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1 2015 |