The Effect of Honeycomb-Structured Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic Mixed Surfaces on the Spreading Process of Liquid Droplets

Honeycomb-structured, mixed-wettability surfaces have attracted significant attention due to their potential for tailoring surface properties and controlling fluid dynamics at the nanoscale. However, the underlying mechanisms governing droplet spreading and wettability modulation remain insufficiently understood. This study, using molecular dynamics simulations, reveals that periodic hydrophilic-hydrophobic areas within honeycomb structures induce unique oscillatory spreading behaviors and allow the precise modulation of equilibrium contact angles. The findings demonstrate that honeycomb designs can effectively transition surfaces between hydrophilic and hydrophobic states, with practical applications in boiling heat transfer, thermal management, and advanced materials development.