Abstract
It is not unusual for humans to be inspired by natural phenomena to develop new advanced materials; such materials are called bio-inspired materials. Interest in bio-inspired polymeric superhydrophilic, superhydrophobic, and superoleophobic materials has substantially increased over the last few decades, as has improvement in the related technologies. This review reports the latest developments in bio-inspired polymeric structures with desired wettability that have occurred by mimicking the structures of lotus leaf, rose petals, and the wings and shells of various creatures. The intrinsic role of surface chemistry and structure on delivering superhydrophilicity, superhydrophobicity, and superoleophobicity has been extensively explored. Typical polymers, commonly used structures, and techniques involved in developing bio-inspired surfaces with desired wettability are discussed. Additionally, the latest applications of bio-inspired structures with desired wettability in human activities are also introduced.
Highlights
Wetting phenomena can normally be found in nature and are commonly seen in our daily life.Wetting on solid surfaces can be induced either by water or oils.One classic case of wetting phenomena is defined as superhydrophobicity [1,2,3,4], where extremely high water repellency is found on the surface
This review mainly focuses on the development of bio-inspired polymeric superhydrophilic, superhydrophobic, and superoleophobic micro-/nanostructures, the techniques involved, and applications
Superhydrophilicity is a critical property for living creatures and man-made products
Summary
Wetting phenomena can normally be found in nature and are commonly seen in our daily life. One classic case of wetting phenomena is defined as superhydrophobicity [1,2,3,4], where extremely high water repellency is found on the surface. Rice leaves illustrate the wetting phenomenon in nature, where water droplets bead up rest on the surface without wetting it (Figure 1a) [1] Another classic wetting phenomena is defined as superhydrophilicity, where water wets and spreads over the surface quickly [1]. Clothes illustrate superhydrophilicity, where fabrics are completely wetted by water, leaving water stains on the surface (Figure 1b) [5]. Inspired by the wetting phenomena in nature, a variety of bio-inspired materials with superhydrophilic/superhydrophobic properties have been developed. The development of materials with desired wettability and multifunctional properties are discussed
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