Improved Liquid Collection on a Dual-asymmetric Superhydrophilic Origami

Manipulating fluid with an open channel provides a promising  strategy to simplify the current systems. Nevertheless, spontaneous  on-surface fluid transport with large flux, high speed, and long  distance remains challenging. Inspired by scallop shells, here we  present a superhydrophilic origami with multiple-paratactic and  dual-asymmetric channels to improve fluid collection. The origami  channel can capture various types of liquids, including droplets, flow,  and steam, and then transport collected liquid unidirectionally. The  superhydrophilic origami with 2 mm depth can reach maximum flux of  450 mL/h, which is five times the capacity of flat patterned surface  with similar dimension. To diversify the function of such interface, we  further integrate the superhydrophilic origami with a superhydrophobic  zirconium carbide/silicone coating for enhanced condensation via the  collaboration of directional fluid manipulation and radiative cooling  layer. Compared with the unmodified parallel origami, the shell-like  origami with radiative cooling layer shows a 56% improvement in  condensate efficiency as well as the directional liquid drainage. This  work demonstrates a more accessible design for the optimization of  on-surface fluid control, and the improved performance of liquid  transport should extend the applications of bioinspired  fluid-manipulating interfaces.