Fog Harvesting Devices Inspired from Single to Multiple Creatures: Current Progress and Future Perspective

The increasing demand for clean water driven by the rapid growth of the population and the pollution of water necessitates the development of direct and rapid water harvesting methods. Fog harvesting is proven as a highly efficient water capture method in dry but foggy areas. Herein, the state-of-the-art developments on the multiple biomimetic fog harvesting devices (FHDs) are presented. First, the fundamental and specific mechanisms of fog harvesting involving the Namib Desert beetle, spider silk, cactus, and Nepenthes alata are described in detail, respectively. Second, an in-depth discussion on the mechanisms of fog harvesting including fog capture and water transport is proposed. Third, a detailed account of the innovative design strategies and fabrication technologies of FHDs is proposed, from single to multiple biomimetic FHDs with typical examples and the merits and demerits are compared. Finally, a critical analysis of current challenges and future development is presented, aiming to promote next-generation FHDs from scientific research to practical application.

Automated summary

This article presents the state-of-the-art developments on multiple biomimetic fog harvesting devices (FHDs), including the fundamental mechanisms, specific examples, design strategies, and fabrication technologies. It also critically analyzes current challenges and discusses future development to promote the practical application of next-generation FHDs.