Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Materials through 3D Printing: Progress and Challenges

Superhydrophobicity, a unique natural phenomenon observed in organisms such as lotus leaves and desert beetles, has inspired extensive research on biomimetic materials. Two main superhydrophobic effects have been identified: the lotus leaf effect and the rose petal effect, both showing water contact angles larger than 150 & DEG;, but with differing contact angle hysteresis values. In recent years, numerous strategies have been developed to fabricate superhydrophobic materials, among which 3D printing has garnered significant attention due to its rapid, low-cost, and precise construction of complex materials in a facile way. In this minireview, we provide a comprehensive overview of biomimetic superhydrophobic materials fabricated through 3D printing, focusing on wetting regimes, fabrication techniques, including printing of diverse micro/nanostructures, post-modification, and bulk material printing, and applications ranging from liquid manipulation and oil/water separation to drag reduction. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and future research directions in this burgeoning field.

Automated summary

Superhydrophobicity, observed in natural organisms like lotus leaves and desert beetles, has inspired extensive research on biomimetic materials. Two main superhydrophobic effects have been identified: the lotus leaf effect and the rose petal effect, both with water contact angles larger than 150°. In recent years, 3D printing has gained significant attention for its rapid, low-cost, and precise construction of superhydrophobic materials, and this mini-review provides a comprehensive overview of biomimetic superhydrophobic materials fabricated through 3D printing.