Grant: Alliance Grants

Lubricant-infused surfaces are increasingly used in many technologies from water collection in arid areas, hydrodynamic drag reduction over ship hulls, to antifouling and self-cleaning surfaces of sensors for automated detection in advanced manufacturing. Interfacial nanobubbles have been found to significantly enhance performance of lubricant-infused surfaces in hydrodynamic drag reduction, due to nanobubble-mediated interfacial transport. Through international collaboration with experts in the field of interfacial wetting, the objective of this project is to advance the formation and application of innovative nanobubble-enhanced slippery surface. The new surfaces will have potential application in improving the energy efficiency of microfluidic and multiphase flow, and providing antifouling properties of medical devices. The project will address the current challenges from formation and durability of the interfacial properties. The outcomes of the project will be a deep understanding of oil-infused nanostructured surface capturing interfacial gas layers, slippery surfaces with superior drag reducing and fouling reducing properties. In addition to platform technology for superior performance of antifouling surfaces, the expected outcomes from the project will be development of productive and lasting international collaboration, outstanding HQP training opportunities, and joint publications in impactful journals. Long-term impact and benefits are expected from the technology development in terms of high-performance sensors for Internet of Things, reduced emissions, fuel cost and reduced pollution related to transport of goods by sea.