Clustered ribbed-nanoneedle structured copper surfaces with high-efficiency dropwise condensation heat transfer performance.

We report that the dropwise condensation heat transfer (DCHT) effectiveness of copper surfaces can be dramatically enhanced by in situ grown clustered ribbed-nanoneedles. Combined experiments and theoretical analyses reveal that, due to the microscopically rugged and low-adhesive nature of building blocks, the nanosamples can not only realize high-density nucleation but constrain growing condensates into suspended microdrops via the self-transport and/or self-expansion mode for subsequently self-propelled jumping, powered by coalescence-released excess surface energy. Consequently, our nanosample exhibits over 125% enhancement in DCHT coefficient. This work helps develop advanced heat-transfer materials and devices for efficient thermal management and energy utilization.