Extreme wetting metallic devices: Structures, fabrication, applications and prospects

Abstract

Extreme wetting metallic devices hold promising prospects in numerous fields, including aerospace, marine engineering and civil equipment, owing to their distinctive surface properties. The structures and fabrication of these surfaces have significant impacts on their functionality and applications. Herein, an overview of extreme wetting metallic devices are presented, focusing on their structures, fabrication, applications and prospects. Initially, the definitions and theoretical foundations of superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces, along with recent research advancements are discussed. Next, the additive and subtractive manufacturing employed for the precise construction of these surfaces is analyzed, with an emphasis on evaluating the performance of various metallic materials. Then, surface modification techniques are reviewed, highlighting their mechanisms, benefits and limitations. Additionally, potential application scenarios for extreme wetting metallic devices are summarized, including their roles in corrosion protection, anti-icing, self-cleaning functionalities and so on. Finally, the trend of extreme wetting metallic devices and the perspectives for this exciting new field are highlighted.