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Exploring different combinations of the main structural parameters (diameter of the conical structure, density of conical structures, and distance between conical structures) to enhance fog harvesting performance.
Investigating other materials for fabrication that might offer better durability, efficiency, or cost-effectiveness.
Scaling the manufacturing process for widespread application, including integration into existing water collection systems or developing standalone units for use in areas facing severe water scarcity.
Assessing the environmental impact of deploying these surfaces at scale, including the lifecycle analysis of materials used and the potential effects on local climates and ecosystems.
Combining this technology with other water collection and purification technologies to develop comprehensive solutions for water-scarce regions.
Further development of bioinspired surfaces to optimize their water-collection efficiency and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.
Exploration of new materials and composites that could improve the durability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of water-collection systems.
Addressing the challenges of scaling up the production of patterned wettability surfaces for widespread use, including making the fabrication process more cost-effective and suitable for mass manufacturing.
Conducting comprehensive studies on the environmental impact of deploying large-scale water-collection systems inspired by these materials, to ensure they do not negatively affect local ecosystems.
Beyond water collection, there is potential for using these materials in various other applications, such as in biomedical devices for controlled drug release, in microfluidics for precise liquid handling, and in creating anti-fouling and self-cleaning surfaces. Further research could explore these possibilities in depth.
Combining bioinspired water-collection materials with other technologies, such as renewable energy systems, to create integrated solutions for water scarcity that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
[1] Choi, Y., Baek, K. & So, H. 3D-printing-assisted fabrication of hierarchically structured biomimetic surfaces with dual-wettability for water harvesting. Sci Rep 13, 10691 (2023).
[2] Zhen Chen, Zengzhi Zhang; Recent progress in beetle-inspired superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic micropatterned water-collection materials. Water Sci Technol 15 July 2020; 82 (2): 207–226.
[3] The 17 goals | sustainable development United Nations. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (Accessed: 15 March 2024).
[4] Water scarcity Unicef.org. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/wash/water-scarcity (Accessed: 15 March 2024).
[5] Worldwildlife.org. Available at: https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity#:~:text=Billions%20of%20People%20Lack%20Water,may%20be%20facing%20water%20shortages. (Accessed: 15 March 2024).
Emails
Mohammed Rafaz Mustafa:
rafaz.mustafa23@imperial.ac.uk
Foteini Papadogianni:
foteini.papadogianni23@imperial.ac.uk
Christopher Mathew:
Isabel Wallin:
isabel.wallin23@imperial.ac.uk
Naiyira Naweed:
naiyira.naweed23@imperial.ac.uk
Sarita Damaraju
sarita.damaraju23@imperial.ac.uk
Imperial College London, Exhibition Rd, London, England SW7 5HE, United Kingdom
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