Triple Biomimetic Surfaces with Patterned Anisotropic Wettability for Multiscale Droplets Manipulation.

Abstract

Droplets manipulation has attracted increasing attention for its increasingly widespread applications. However, current droplet manipulation usually needs complex preparation methods. Here, inspired by lotus leaves, rive leaves, and desert beetles, triple biomimetic surfaces are prepared through laser and heating. The mastoid structures contribute to the construction of superwettability. Within effective cycles, patterned scanning laser processing helps to achieve various interlaced wettability. The groove structure compensates for the decrease in droplet manipulation ability caused by the attenuation of superwettability. Meanwhile, the groove structure endows the scanning regions with good durability. The groove structure and interlaced wettability together constitute the anisotropic suface patterns. Macroscopic and microscopic droplet manipulation has been successfully achieved, demonstrating widespread applications. This work not only provides a titanium surface with triple biomimetic properties but also provides new insights for various droplet manipulations on metal surfaces.