Efficient anti-frosting on discrete nanoclusters via spatiotemporal control of condensation frosting dynamics

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62)21_Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

1 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Yushan Ying
  • Wanbo Li
  • Yawei Feng
  • Rongfu Wen
  • Qixun Li
  • Yuanbo Liu
  • Bingang Du
  • Zuankai Wang
  • Xuehu Ma

Related Research Unit(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number142991
Journal / PublicationChemical Engineering Journal
Volume465
Online published17 Apr 2023
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2023

Abstract

Tailoring the condensation frosting dynamics, particularly by surface topological designs, holds great promise to mitigate the frost accretion yet has proven challenging due to the complex and dynamic nature of interactions between vapor/liquid and surfaces. Herein, we propose a design of nanowire cluster (NC) isolated by grooves to spatiotemporally regulate the multiphase changes. The key feature lies in the integration of in-plane wetting discreteness and out-of-plane vapor flux gradient on the NC surface. By precise controlling the topology, e.g., in the case of vertex angle ∼ 30° and solid–liquid fraction ∼ 31%, the NC surface can spatially localize condensates on the cluster edges in stable Cassie state under both normal or low pressures, and temporally facilitate the removal of droplets at the minimized size even under −12 °C. Whereas the remaining droplets presented reduced mean size and a large spacing, which hindered inter-droplet ice bridging and droplet freezing. Notably, the sum of anti-frosting and frosting durations reached ∼ 200 min, which was ∼ 3 and ∼ 4 folds of other surfaces, at a temperature of −8 °C and relative humidity of ∼ 50%. © 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Research Area(s)

  • Anti-frosting, Condensation frosting, Droplet jumping, Superhydrophobic surface, Wetting state

Citation Format(s)

Efficient anti-frosting on discrete nanoclusters via spatiotemporal control of condensation frosting dynamics. / Yang, Siyan; Ying, Yushan; Li, Wanbo et al.
In: Chemical Engineering Journal, Vol. 465, 142991, 01.06.2023.

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62)21_Publication in refereed journalpeer-review