Fundamental Mechanics and Emerging Applications of the Leidenfrost Effect

The Leidenfrost effect has captivated researchers since J. G. Leidenfrost first reported the phenomenon over 250 years ago.Today, the Leidenfrost effect has been extensively studied for its role in engineered systems, including power plants, rockets, and manufacturing processes.Liquid droplets encountering superheated surfaces boil rapidly, forming a vapor film.This vapor insulates the remaining bulk of the droplet, inhibits further boiling, and counterbalances droplet weight, causing levitation.This review examines the phenomenon's core principles, covering droplet levitation mechanics, vapor layer behavior, and advanced microfluidic transport methods.Dynamics of the Leidenfrost effect on substrates of varying wettability, especially superhydrophobic substrates, are covered.Methods to suppress the Leidenfrost effect, from altering surface texture to inducing electric fields, are explored.Non-Newtonian droplet interactions with superheated substrates are analyzed, and reasons for renewed interest in these liquids are highlighted.We then compile and describe existing and emerging aerospace, marine engineering, thermal energy systems, material science, and cryogenics applications.These use cases are achieved through tailored modifications of parameters such as wettability, surface topology, and porosity.Such multiplicity in possible applications demonstrates the versatility of the Leidenfrost effect.