Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces inspired by beetles and pitcher plants

IEEE Spectrum : The ability to promote condensation and the shedding of water droplets is important in a number of industrial applications, including desalination, thermal power generation, and air conditioning. Philseok Kim of Harvard University and his team have already developed a liquid lubricant material called SLIPS , which can be applied to surfaces to make them more slippery. The researchers have now improved on the product by incorporating several physical traits found in nature. Tiny convex bumps, inspired by those on the backs of Namibia’s darkling beetles, promote the condensation of water vapor into droplets. The water droplets are guided down ramps modeled on those found on cactus spines. Lubricant-infused nanopores, like those found in pitcher plants, increase the surface’s slipperiness. The new material, the researchers say, could be used for water harvesting in arid environments where water tends to evaporate quickly.