Nepenthes pitcher inspired isotropic/anisotropic polymer solid-liquid composite interface: preparation, function, and application

Inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant, solid-liquid composite interfaces have gained intense attention due to their unique functions of self-healing, liquid-/ice-repellency, pressure stability, controllable wettability, and so on. A variety of materials have been used to create a solid-liquid composite interface. In particular, polymers have attracted enormous interest and have been extensively studied to develop polymer-based solid-liquid composite interfaces due to their diversity, flexibility, easy design and processing, and intelligence. In this review, we mainly focus on the recent progress on solid-liquid composite interfaces prepared from polymer materials and review them from the perspective of isotropy and anisotropy. First, the design principles and preparation methods of isotropic/anisotropic polymer solid-liquid composite interfaces are summarized. Subsequently, the functions of responsive isotropic/anisotropic polymer solid-liquid composite interfaces under external stimuli, including mechanical stretching, magnetic field, temperature, electric field, photoirradiation, and photoelectric field, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the emerging applications of isotropic/anisotropic polymer solid-liquid composite interfaces, including anti-frosting/icing, antifouling, unidirectional transport, one-way microreactors, and so on, are highlighted. Finally, the limitations and future developmental directions are briefly addressed.

Automated summary

Solid-liquid composite interfaces inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant have gained attention for their unique functions like self-healing and liquid/ice-repellency. Polymers, due to their diversity, easy design, and processing, have been extensively studied for developing polymer-based solid-liquid composite interfaces. Recent progress has focused on isotropic/anisotropic polymer solid-liquid composite interfaces, showcasing potential applications and responsiveness under external stimuli.