Defect-Density-Controlled Phase-Change Phenomena.

Juxtaposing hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity on the same surface, known as hybrid surface engineering, can enhance phase-change heat transfer. However, controlling hydrophilicity on hybrid surfaces in a scalable fashion is a challenge, limiting their application. Here, using widely available metal meshes with variable dimensions and by controlling the patterning pressure, we scalably fabricate hybrid surfaces having spot and gridlike patterns using stamping.

Durability and Degradation Mechanisms of Antifrosting Surfaces.

Rapid implementation of renewable energy technologies has exacerbated the potential for economic loss and safety concerns caused by ice and frost accretion, which occurs on the surfaces of wind turbine blades, photovoltaic panels, and residential and electric vehicle air-source heat pumps. The past decade has seen advances in surface chemistry and micro- and nanostructures that can promote passive antifrosting and enhance defrosting. However, the durability of these surfaces remains the major obstacle preventing real-life applications, with degradation mechanisms remaining poorly understood.

Life Span of Slippery Lubricant Infused Surfaces.

Since their discovery a decade ago, slippery liquid infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) or lubricant infused surfaces (LISs) have been demonstrated time and again to have immense potential for a plethora of applications. Of these, one of the most promising is enhancing the energy efficiency of both thermoelectric and organic Rankine cycle power generation via enhanced vapor condensation. However, utilization of SLIPSs in the energy sector remains limited due to the poor understanding of their life span.