Micro-energy Conversion during Jumping Droplet Condensation and 

its Utilization in Airborne Particle Trapping     

Indoor air pollution of airborne particles is one of the greatest threats to human health. The traditional equipment used to remove particles normally requires to consume high-grade energy or filter components, which is unfavorable to resource conservation and low-carbon development. To address the issue of high energy consumption in traditional air purification devices, here we propose a new strategy to trapping airborne particles, which mimics the raindrop scavenging process with enhanced jumping droplet condensation on a hybrid surface with hydrophilic and hydrophobic structures. By utilizing the high-density micro-energy released from droplet condensation, this project aims to develop an advanced airborne particle trapping system based on the significant adsorption ability of jumping droplets. This project includes fundamental study and application development.By understanding the physics of energy conversion in condensing droplets, we can realize the in-depth utilization of released micro-energy from condensation. 

The effect of wetting morphology on energy conversion in droplets will be investigated to enhance the energy conversion by employing hybrid surface structures. Based on the exploration of interactions between droplet and micro-particles with multi-fields effect, we will develop a high-performance particle trapping technology by jumping droplet condensation, with improved particle removal and energy efficiency. The exposition of these scientific problems will help to explore the fundamental property of microscale condensing droplets, and may also inspire an innovative air purification technology with low energy cost and high particle trapping efficiency.