Droplet migration induced by non-uniform wetting microgroove structure promotes condensation water collection

Abstract

Microgroove structure, as an efficient condensation structure, has good application prospects in many fields. However, the interconnection of surface droplets caused by the inability to remove droplets from the ridge of the microgroove in a timely manner affects the efficiency of droplet condensation on the surface of the microgroove. In this paper, we report the promotion of droplet migration by designing non-uniform wetting surfaces with hydrophilic microgrooves and hydrophobic waxy layer ridges. The results indicate that the generation of a liquid film at the bottom of the microgroove is critical to facilitate the adsorption of ridge liquid to the bottom of the microgroove. In addition, the difference in high wettability between the ridges and the bottom contributes to bottom liquid film generation, and ridge adhesion affects the state of the surface after the ridge droplets are detached. This work is of great significance as it provides a reference for the structural design of high-efficiency fog collection systems.