Physics of Fluids,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
36(12)
Published: Dec. 1, 2024
A
novel
approach
for
fabricating
deformable
microlens
arrays
using
template-induced
self-assembly
technology
is
introduced.
By
utilizing
shear
flow
at
cavity
openings
and
hydrophobic
sliding
interstitial
gaps,
this
method
achieves
precise
liquid
formation
without
the
need
complex
mechanical
systems.
The
process
employs
a
template
immersed
in
glycerol
bath,
where
interfacial
forces
enable
pinning
of
droplets
within
specific
microcavities.
combination
theoretical
modeling
finite
element
simulations
was
used
to
investigate
effects
radius,
pulling
speed,
static
contact
angle
on
height.
Findings
reveal
that
larger
radii
higher
angles
enhance
However,
increased
speeds
initially
raise
level
before
subsequent
decrease.
Experimentally,
uniform
were
successfully
fabricated,
demonstrating
consistent
surface
shapes
with
height
43
μm
remarkable
imaging
tunability
under
thermal
stimuli,
achieving
2.22-fold
focal
length
expansion.
This
work
advances
understanding
droplet
manipulation
offers
promising
applications
microfluidics,
optical
systems,
engineering.
ACS Nano,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 22, 2025
Solar-driven
interfacial
evaporation
(SDIE)
has
emerged
as
an
efficient
approach
for
sustainable
freshwater
generation,
with
current
research
predominantly
focusing
on
photothermal
materials
and
evaporator
configurations.
However,
there
is
less
attention
from
a
practical
engineering
perspective
SDIE
applications
in
extreme
environments
or
industrial
requirements,
such
strong
acids,
alkalis,
high-salinity
wastewater.
Herein,
we
propose
one-dimensional
(1D)
MAX
phase-based
that
combines
exceptional
solar-thermal
conversion
efficiency
high
chemical
stability,
enabling
solar
energy
to
produce
various
environments.
The
engineered
Ti2AlSnC
nanofiber
membrane
demonstrates
continuous
30-day
operation
concentrated
acids
(pH
<
1)
while
maintaining
stable
rate
of
2.8
kg
m-2
h-1.
Furthermore,
the
integrated
Joule
heating
module
enables
all-day
under
low-light
conditions
minimal
input
(≤3
V).
development
material
establishes
promising
strategy
more
durable
water
treatment
solutions
harsh
Solar-powered
interfacial
evaporation
has
emerged
as
a
promising,
sustainable
technology
for
clean
water
production
with
its
minimal
carbon
footprint.
Currently,
extensive
research
efforts
focus
on
enhancing
solar
rates
and
broadening
the
applicability
of
three-dimensional
(3D)
steam
generators
(SGs).
For
large-scale
production,
individual
3D
SGs
must
be
integrated
into
system-level
SG
arrays
deployment
in
portable
devices
or
distillation
plants.
Therefore,
array's
configuration
plays
an
even
more
critical
role
boosting
evaporation.
From
methodological
perspective,
development
numerical
simulation
evaluation
methods
to
predict
is
emerging
frontier.
Nonetheless,
complex
energy-water-solute
interactions
within
remain
largely
underexplored.
Herein,
their
are
developed.
The
temperature,
relative
humidity,
airflow,
air
particle
distributions
throughout
simulated,
guiding
optimization
structures
arrangement
arrays.
By
promoting
cold
evaporation,
8-Fin
achieves
highest
rate
over
2.3
kg
m-2
h-1
under
1
sun,
further
increase
4.8
moderate
positioning
it
among
best-performing
solar-powered
SGs.
circular
array
nine
(12
cm
spacing)
enables
sustained
"all-cold
evaporation"
each
unit,
where
continuous
energy
harvesting
from
both
ambient
bulk
drives
exceptional
5.9
natural
sunlight.
We
present
approach
combining
experimental
studies
arrays,
inspiring
new
paradigm
advancing
toward
applications.
