Wetting ridges on slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces

Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) show remarkable liquid repellency, making them useful for many coating applications. The outstanding repellency of SLIPS comes from a lubricant layer stabilized within and at the surface of a porous template. The stability of this lubricant layer is key for SLIPS to exhibit their unique functionality. The lubricant layer, however, is depleted over time, causing degradation of liquid repellency. The formation of wetting ridges surrounding liquid droplets on the surface of SLIPS is one of the primary sources of lubricant depletion. Here, we present the fundamental understanding and characteristics of wetting ridges and highlight the latest developments that enable the detailed investigation and suppression of wetting ridge formation on SLIPS. In addition, we offer our perspectives on new and exciting directions for SLIPS.

Automated summary

Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) have wide applications in coating due to their remarkable liquid repellency. The stability of the lubricant layer within SLIPS is crucial for their functionality, but it can deplete over time, leading to degradation of liquid repellency. Wetting ridge formation is a primary cause of lubricant depletion. This article presents an understanding of wetting ridges and advancements in their investigation and suppression on SLIPS, as well as explores new directions for SLIPS research.