화학공학소재연구정보센터
Langmuir, Vol.23, No.2, 689-693, 2007
Mimicking a stenocara beetle's back for microcondensation using plasmachemical patterned superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic surfaces
A simple two-step plasmachemical methodology is outlined for the fabrication of microcondensor surfaces. This comprises the creation of a superhydrophobic background followed by pulsed plasma deposition of a hydrophilic polymer array. Microcondensation efficiency has been explored in terms of the chemical nature of the hydrophilic pixels and their dimensions. These results are compared to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic pattern present on the Stenocara beetle's back, which is used by the insect to collect water in the desert. Potential applications include fog harvesting, microfluidics, and biomolecule immobilization.