Highly efficient pool boiling heat transfer on surfaces with zoned rose-petal-inspired hierarchical structures

Abstract

Efficient boiling heat transfer depends on the rapid formation and detachment of vapor bubbles on solid surfaces. However, this process is hindered by the contradictory requirements of bubble nucleation and departure. Herein, a novel surface with zoned rose-petal-inspired hierarchical structures is prepared on copper by laser-based methods to promote bubble nucleation and detachment simultaneously. The surface features parahydrophobic rose zones surrounded by superwetting pump zones. The rose-petal-inspired hierarchical structures on the rose zones greatly enhance the bubble nucleation, resulting in very high heat transfer coefficients (HTC). The pump zones with hierarchical mini-nanostructures facilitate the formation of distinct pathways for liquid and vapor flows, enabling efficient liquid rewetting and bubble departure at high heat fluxes. The synergistic effects of the rose and pump zones enhance both bubble nucleation and departure, leading to superior boiling performance. The critical heat flux (CHF) and the HTC achieved at the CHF (HTC@CHF) increase by 100% and 360%, respectively, compared to a smooth surface. Our results provide new avenues for the development of metal-based highly efficient boiling surfaces, which may enhance the efficiency of energy utilization and heat dissipation of various thermal management devices.