Nanotree array textured lubricant-infused frame for efficient fog harvesting

Abstract

Owing to its passive collection, low cost and little energy consumption, fog harvesting is a sustainable technology to obtain fresh water resources. Inspired by creatures, surfaces with unique wettability are prepared, especially the lubricant-infused surface have drawn immense attention in recent years. The lubricant-infused surface, however, tends to be unstable, losing control over the fog capture and droplet movement. In this work, nanotree array textured lubricant-infused frame (LIF) was prepared. Notably, due to the cooperation of the fine micro/nanostructure and covalent bond Zn−O−Si between lubricant and substrate, the lubricant retention capacity was enhanced. Under hostile conditions, such as high-speed centrifugation, long-term storage, acidic solution and high temperature environment, the slippery surface still display excellent stability. Furthermore, the slippery surface exhibited high fog harvesting efficiency, about 85% higher fog harvesting efficiency compared to the original surface. Therefore, the lubricant-infused frame is promising for practical applications.