Enhancing droplets deposition on superhydrophobic plant leaves by bio-based surfactant: Experimental characterization and molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract

The bouncing and splashing of pesticide droplets on the superhydrophobic plant leaves is the main reason for the low pesticide utilization rate and the main source of environmental pollution. In this study, we report a bio-based surfactant Nonyl β-D-glucopyranoside (DG) which could efficiently inhibit droplet bouncing and improve the retention and deposition on superhydrophobic plant leaves. The traditional surfactants N, N, N-trimethyl-1-dodecanaminium bromide (DTAB), and p-Octyl polyethylene glycol phenyl ether (TX-100) were used to explore the mechanism. The dynamic surface tension, surfactant aggregates, and adhesive force were investigated. Also, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are displayed to prove the deposition mechanism. The bio-based surfactant DG with lower dynamic surface tension can diffuse and adsorb to the plant leaves rapidly. The rod-like micelles of DG interacted with the plant leaves covered with DG molecules and pinned the gas/liquid/solid three-phase contact lines to dissipate energy. This work has provided a green and efficient strategy to improve the retention of pesticide droplets on the leaves of the plant.