Design of bioinspired, smart, multiscale interfacial materials with superwettability

Learning from nature and starting from the lotus leaf, we have used a four-step strategy to develop a superwetting system ranging from two-dimensional interfaces to nanochannels and fibers. First, we explored unique superwetting properties in nature from lotus leaves, mosquito eyes, strider legs, rose petals, rice leaves, and butterfly wings, to fish scales, spider silks, and cacti. Second, we investigated the correlation between the multiscale structures and superwettability. Third, we designed target molecules to prepare bioinspired functional materials with promising applications, such as self-cleaning coatings, water/oil separation, water collection, and energy conversion. Finally, by combining two complementary properties and achieving reversible switching between them, we were able to develop bioinspired smart interfacial materials with superwettability.