Fast and High‐Angle‐Climbing Capable Self‐Driven Surface Directional Liquid Transport via Bio‐Inspired Eccentric Channels

Abstract Self‐propelled directional liquid transport plays a vital role in chemical and new power source engineering scenarios. Without external energy, liquid transport over long distances is hindered by multiple resistances, limiting flow velocity, while uphill movement is further impeded by gravity. To address that, inspired by the labial palps of the insects, which efficiently guide droplets toward the mouth, a bioinspired eccentric ring (BER) structure is developed that mimics this directional transport capability. Stainless steel substrates are processed via femtosecond laser ablation to create micro/nano hierarchical textures, followed by selective tungsten sputtering to form superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic regions. This design creates a surface energy difference that enables rapid, low‐resistance liquid movement along predefined channels. Experiments show that water droplets fully wet a 35 mm BER channel in 4.7 s. Moreover, the BER structure enables directional water transport on inclined surfaces against gravity, driven by its superhydrophobic‐to‐superhydrophilic wettability difference and unique low‐resistance structural design. This design enables efficient and multidirectional water transport, highlighting its potential for applications in microfluidic devices, energy harvesting, and passive water control systems. The bioinspired design enhances the efficiency and precision of water distribution, offering new possibilities for the development of self‐driven water transport systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-08-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202510157
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.32

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Fast and High‐Angle‐Climbing Capable Self‐Driven Surface Directional Liquid Transport via Bio‐Inspired Eccentric Channels

Siyu Zuo, Zhutian Xu, Diankai Qiu, Peiyun Yi et al.
2 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
1.32
article

Fast and High‐Angle‐Climbing Capable Self‐Driven Surface Directional Liquid Transport via Bio‐Inspired Eccentric Channels

Siyu Zuo, Zhutian Xu, Diankai Qiu, Peiyun Yi, Linfa Peng
article en
2 citations

Abstract

Abstract Self‐propelled directional liquid transport plays a vital role in chemical and new power source engineering scenarios. Without external energy, liquid transport over long distances is hindered by multiple resistances, limiting flow velocity, while uphill movement is further impeded by gravity. To address that, inspired by the labial palps of the insects, which efficiently guide droplets toward the mouth, a bioinspired eccentric ring (BER) structure is developed that mimics this directional transport capability. Stainless steel substrates are processed via femtosecond laser ablation to create micro/nano hierarchical textures, followed by selective tungsten sputtering to form superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic regions. This design creates a surface energy difference that enables rapid, low‐resistance liquid movement along predefined channels. Experiments show that water droplets fully wet a 35 mm BER channel in 4.7 s. Moreover, the BER structure enables directional water transport on inclined surfaces against gravity, driven by its superhydrophobic‐to‐superhydrophilic wettability difference and unique low‐resistance structural design. This design enables efficient and multidirectional water transport, highlighting its potential for applications in microfluidic devices, energy harvesting, and passive water control systems. The bioinspired design enhances the efficiency and precision of water distribution, offering new possibilities for the development of self‐driven water transport systems.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 36(9)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
1.32
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.