Texturing melting gels for water harvesting

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. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]