Directional Liquid Transport Mechanisms on Superwetting Interfaces and their Applications in Heat and Mass Transfer

Directional liquid transport has garnered widespread attention due to its excellent performance in microfluidic manipulation, seawater desalination, and boiling heat transfer applications. The design of composite micro-nano biomimetic structures based on the unique features of natural biological systems has demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in liquid manipulation. The dynamics of liquid and interface interactions, as well as the liquid transport mechanisms of biological structures, enable controllable liquid transport, showing tremendous potential in the field of heat and mass transfer. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for effective structural design in heat and mass transfer. This review summarizes the recent research advancements on the liquid transport mechanisms of wetting interfaces and their applications in the field of heat and mass transfer. First, it presents the fundamental principles of interfacial fluid dynamics. Next, it elucidates the innovative design principles of biomimetic structures and their excellent liquid transport performance. Then, it discusses the applications of directional liquid transport in heat and mass transfer. Finally, it shares insights into challenges and future directions in fluid dynamics and heat and mass transfer applications for wet interfaces.