Porous superhydrophobic membranes as safe bubble absorbers for hydrocarbon industry

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces, which repels water droplets falling on them is a hot topic in the interfacial engineering for their wide range of applications from self-cleaning to thermal management. Recently, porous superhydrophobic surfaces are introduced to the front by incorporating the element of diffusion of gases along with the extreme non-wettability of the surface. Interestingly, they exhibit superior bubble absorption capabilities in an underwater situation which is complementary to a droplet impinging on the same surface in an air medium. In the present work, we examine closely, an experimental paradigm describing the physical aspects of such an absorption event and delineate the nature of evolution of the most important parameter, the contact line. The results provide insight into the efficient development of underwater bubble absorbers for hydrocarbon industry for a safe transfer of gases from deep sea oil rigs.