Chen Kaiwen, Chen Luyao, Xiao Xianfu, Hao Cheng, Zhang Haonan, Fu Tongtong, Shang Wei, Peng Hui, Zhan Tianyi, Lyu Jianxiong, Yan Ning
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B3, Canada.
Mater Horiz. 2025 Jul 14;12(14):5410-5424. doi: 10.1039/d5mh00440c.
Inspired by cactus spine and desert beetle back structures, we developed a wood-based wedge-shaped surface with gradient wettability for efficient and controlled spontaneous directional liquid transport. Utilizing the natural anisotropic and porous structure of wood, the wedge-shaped surface exhibited a continuous gradient wettability after chemical treatments combined with UV-induced modifications. The resulting surface enabled highly efficient directional liquid transport with transport rates reaching up to 8.9 mm s on horizontal placement and 0.64 mm s on vertical surfaces against gravity. By integrating geometric curvature and surface energy gradients, the innovative design achieved synergistic Laplace pressure-driven and wettability-driven liquid motions. To further demonstrate its potential for practical application, a fog-driven power device constructed using the gradient wettability wood with cactus spines not only enhanced water harvesting and energy conversion capabilities but also offered an environmentally friendly system. This study expanded the design toolbox for bioinspired liquid management surfaces, offering promising applications in water resource management, energy harvesting, and microfluidic devices.
