Triboelectrically Empowered Biomimetic Heterogeneous\nWettability Surface for Efficient Fog Collection

Abstract

Biomimetic\nengineering surfaces featuring heterogeneous wettability\nare vital for atmospheric water harvesting applications. Existing\nresearch predominantly focuses on the coordinated regulation of surface\nwettability through structural and chemical modifications, often overlooking\nthe prevalent triboelectric charge effect at the liquid–solid\ninterface. In this work, we designed a heterogeneous wettability surface\nby strategic masking and activated its latent triboelectric charge\nusing triboelectric brushes, thereby enhancing the removal and renewal\nof surface droplets. By examining the dynamic evolution of droplets,\nthe mechanism of triboelectric enhancement in the water collection\nefficiency is elucidated. Leveraging this inherent triboelectric charge\ninteraction, fog collection capacity can be augmented by 29% by activating\nthe system for 5 s every 60 s. Consequently, the advancement of triboelectric\ncharge-enhanced fog collection technology holds both theoretical and\npractical significance for overcoming the limitations of traditional\nsurface wettability regulation.