The Dynamic Interaction of Water Droplet with Nano-Stalagmite Functional Groups of Taro Leaf Surface

Abstract

This research is aimed at uncovering the dynamic interaction of a small water droplet with taro (colocasiaesculenta L) leaf surface that generates superhydrophobicity and leads to the electron jump phenomena. The discussion is supported by the Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray, and Fourier Transform Infra Red analyses of the taro leaf surface. The superhydrophobicity from the contact angle between the droplet and the taro leaf surface during the electron jump was measured using an electrode of aluminum foil attached under the taro leaf. The result shows that the taro leaf surface is covered by a wax layer, which has a nano-stalagmite structure comprising functional groups with some amount of mineral on top. The superhydrophobic field is created by nano-stalagmites primarily composed of Primary and Secondary Amines and Amides (bend) that tend to repel the water droplet. The extremely high surface tension or surface energy results from the repelling force from the nano-stalagmite over the very small radius of the nanostructure. Furthermore, the electron jump is primarily generated due to the high energy of the surface tension of the nano-stalagmite structure assisted by the minerals atop the stalagmite. The electrons jump from their orbit when the functional groups come in contact with H+ and OH- ions of the water droplet. The additional impulse force generated by the collision of the water droplet with the leaf surface along with the dynamic motion of the droplet strengthens the surface tension that pumps more electrons out of their orbit, thereby increasing the electrical voltage.