Bioinspired slippery harp structures optimized by simulation for efficient fog harvesting

Abstract

Atmospheric water harvesting represents a crucial method for mitigating the crisis of water resources and has garnered significant attention from researchers, and the harp structured fog collector (HSFC) stands as a straightforward apparatus for this endeavor. To refine the design of fog collectors for enhanced efficiency, this work has delved into the impact of wire pitch and diameter on water collection capacity, employing aerodynamic analysis and empirical studies. Furthermore, drawing inspiration from the distinctive surface properties of Nepenthes and the Desert beetles, this paper has engineered a bioinspired slippery HSFC with stable and cost-effective silica gel-infused groove surface, which can effectively promote the rapid removal of droplets and improve the efficiency of water collection. This advancement has yielded about 60 % increase in water collection efficiency relative to the hydrophilic HSFC. These findings offer a valuable trajectory for the enhancement of water collection surfaces and the evolution of fog collection technology.