Multistep wettability gradient in bioinspired triangular patterns for water condensation and transport

Water scarcity is becoming increasingly worse in the world. To address water shortages, the water supply needs to be supplemented. In arid regions, flora and fauna use fog or the moisture in air as a source of water. An important consideration in efficient water collection is transport of water droplets collected as rapidly as possible to storage/use before they are evaporated. Wettability gradient on a surface is expected to increase the rate of transportation. In this study, a bioinspired triangular surface with multistep wettability gradient was fabricated. Water condensation and transport studies were carried out on triangular surfaces with wettability gradient in ambient air. Wettability gradient is found to accelerate the water transport. The droplets can climb even if a surface is mounted on an inclined plane. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.