Bioinspired surfaces with special wettability

Acc Chem Res. 2005 Aug;38(8):644-52. doi: 10.1021/ar040224c.

Abstract

Biomimetic research indicates that many phenomena regarding wettability in nature, such as the self-cleaning effect on a lotus leaf and cicada wing, the anisotropic dewetting behavior on a rice leaf, and striking superhydrophobic force provided by a water strider's leg, are all related to the unique micro- and nanostructures on the surfaces. It gives us much inspiration to realize special wettability on functional surfaces through the cooperation between the chemical composition and the surface micro- and nanostructures, which may bring great advantages in a wide variety of applications in daily life, industry, and agriculture. This Account reviews recent progress in these aspects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hemiptera* / chemistry
  • Hemiptera* / ultrastructure
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lotus* / chemistry
  • Lotus* / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanostructures*
  • Plant Leaves* / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves* / ultrastructure
  • Surface Properties
  • Wettability
  • Wings, Animal* / chemistry
  • Wings, Animal* / ultrastructure