Texturing melting gels for water harvesting

Abstract

Organically modified silica gels that show melting gel behavior were coated on sand-blasted steel substrates. The gel surfaces were patterned using silicone rubber molds and nickel mesh. Grooved and hexagonally imprinted surfaces were compared to an unpatterned substrate for their ability to condense water from water vapor in humid air. The patterns of vertical lines were best able to condense the vapor in a way that lead to more liquid water collection per area. The motivation for studying patterned surfaces is to find ways to extend water harvesting capabilities in regions of low humidity. Sand-blasted steel substrate with melting gel coating, imprinted with vertical line pattern, showing water droplet formation when exposed to steam at an angle of 59°. Sand-blasted steel substrate with melting gel coating, imprinted with vertical line pattern, showing water droplet formation when exposed to steam at an angle of 59°. The surfaces of sand-blasted steel substrates have been patterned using melting gel coatings. Patterns of vertical lines in melting gels are capable of condensing water droplets from water vapor. Phenyl-modified melting gels can be patterned using silicone rubber molds with good fidelity. The surfaces of sand-blasted steel substrates have been patterned using melting gel coatings. Patterns of vertical lines in melting gels are capable of condensing water droplets from water vapor. Phenyl-modified melting gels can be patterned using silicone rubber molds with good fidelity.