Nanosecond laser interference ablation of fluorine-free aluminum alloy surfaces for dynamic adhesion and static wettability synergistically modulating water collection

Water collection from mist is a potential solution to water scarcity, which is a critical issue worldwide. In this paper, laser interference ablation assisted with stearic acid immersion has been used to achieve synergistic modulation of dynamic adhesion and static wettability for water collection on fluorine-free aluminum alloy surface. The research demonstrates that there is an optimal balance point between dynamic adhesion and static wettability for water collection. This optimal point shifts toward low dynamic adhesion at the high misting rate due to the flooding on metastable surfaces with high dynamic adhesion. In addition, wetting transition induced by tilting is observed on metastable surfaces. The good stability of the proposed fluorine-free surface has been demonstrated by the long-term water collection and long periods of immersion in water. This work can provide theoretical inspiration and a scalable preparation method for green and stable water collection strategies.