Superhydrophilicity
Superhydrophilicity is a phenomenon where a surface becomes extremely hydrophilic, meaning it has a strong affinity for water. This property is characterized by a very low contact angle of water droplets on the surface, often approaching 0 degrees. Superhydrophilic surfaces are of great interest in various fields, including biomedical engineering, environmental science, and nanotechnology.
Mechanism[edit | edit source]
Superhydrophilicity is typically achieved through the modification of surface chemistry and topography. The presence of hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyl groups on the surface can enhance water affinity. Additionally, creating a microstructure or nanostructure on the surface can further reduce the contact angle by increasing the surface area and promoting capillary action.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Superhydrophilic surfaces have numerous applications:
- Self-cleaning surfaces: These surfaces can be used in self-cleaning glass and ceramics, where water spreads evenly and removes dirt and debris as it flows off the surface.
- Anti-fogging coatings: By preventing the formation of water droplets, superhydrophilic coatings can be applied to eyeglasses, camera lenses, and windshields to maintain clear visibility.
- Biomedical devices: In biomedical devices, superhydrophilic surfaces can improve biocompatibility and reduce protein adsorption, which is crucial for implants and biosensors.
- Water purification: Superhydrophilic membranes can enhance the efficiency of water filtration and desalination processes by promoting rapid water transport.
Research and Development[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research in the field of superhydrophilicity focuses on developing new materials and coatings that can maintain their properties under various environmental conditions. Researchers are also exploring the use of nanomaterials and biomimetic approaches to create more effective superhydrophilic surfaces.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Superhydrophilicity Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
