Characterization and Bioreplication of Tradescantia pallida Inspired Biomimetic Superwettability for Dual Way Patterned Water Harvesting. Issue 19 (15th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suvindran, Neha; Li, Feiran; Pan, Yunlu; Zhao, Xuezeng
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 5:Issue 19(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-07-15
• Subjects: biomimetics -- biotemplating -- hydrophobic trichomes -- para‐hydrophobic wettability -- water harvesting; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201800723
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: Biomimicry elucidates nature's faultless synchronization of structure with function inspiring researchers to create designs that can achieve maximum performance with minimalistic resource exhaustion. Nature has evolved the invasive species Tradescantia pallida ( T. pallida ) with the ability to survive in drought lands. Since this species requires humidity to survive in those conditions it can be inferred that the T. pallida partakes of foliar atmospheric water harvesting. Herein, the wettability is tested with the study establishing that the leaf exhibits para‐hydrophobicity while demonstrating a static contact angle of 165°, whereas the morphological characterization reveals a complex hierarchical sculpturing with macroscale trichomes and parallel venations. Moreover, it is identified that the foliar water uptake occurs via the para‐hydrophobic surface and the hydrophobic trichomes subsequently guiding the water along the parallel channels creating a leaf that has an efficient dual way water harvesting system. These features render it capable of surviving in any habitat that validates nature's perfect unification of structure and function. Such multifunctional surfaces are a rarity thereby making them desirable for smart water harvesting designs. Thus inspired, a replica is developed which mimics the wettability with functional artificial trichomes and a potential dual way patterned water harvesting concept is presented. Abstract : Through millions of years of evolution, nature has perfected the structure–function relationship of its designs to the nanoscale. Here, the invasive species Tradescantia pallida survives in drought lands through foliar water uptake. The multifunctional leaf surface exhibits a dual way water harvesting system coupled with parallel channeling. Inspired, a smart dual way water harvesting and transport system is proposed.