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The limit of droplet rebound angle

Author

Listed:
  • Zhipeng Zhao

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Wei Li

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Xiaotian Hu

    (Nanchang University)

  • Qiyu Deng

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Yiyuan Zhang

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Shaojun Jiang

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Pengcheng Sun

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Hengjia Zhu

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Hegeng Li

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Siyi Shi

    (Nanchang University)

  • Zhandong Huang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • An Li

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS)/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Huizeng Li

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS)/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Meng Su

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS)/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Fengyu Li

    (Jinan University)

  • Steven Wang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Yanlin Song

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS)/University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Liqiu Wang

    (The University of Hong Kong
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

Regulating the motion state of droplets after impacting on solid surfaces is crucial in many fields including self-cleaning, energy harvesting, and microfluidics. The rebound angle of the droplet is a key factor in determining its motion state. However, up until now, the limit of droplet rebound angle remains unidentified. Here, we reveal a previously undiscovered droplet rebound behavior that the droplet rolls rapidly along the surface with a rebound angle close to 0 degrees, the limit of the droplet rebound angle. Such unexpected behavior originates from the droplet behaving like two mutually perpendicular springs enabled by continuous asymmetric adhesion provided by the heterogeneous modified nanostructure. This boundary-rolling behavior of droplets contributes to scientific and technical advances in various fields that involve droplet-impact, as illustrated through examples of enhanced cleaning efficiency (improved by 349%) and well-controlled droplet transport in tortuous passages which can hardly be achieved before without external fields coupling.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhipeng Zhao & Wei Li & Xiaotian Hu & Qiyu Deng & Yiyuan Zhang & Shaojun Jiang & Pengcheng Sun & Hengjia Zhu & Hegeng Li & Siyi Shi & Zhandong Huang & An Li & Huizeng Li & Meng Su & Fengyu Li & Steven, 2025. "The limit of droplet rebound angle," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61300-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61300-4
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