Controlling how “odd couple” surfaces and liquids interact
Spread out or bead up? A new process enables control over liquid-solid interfaces even with the most unlikely pairs of materials.
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Controlling bubble formation on electrodes
Study finds the wettability of porous electrode surfaces is key to making efficient water-splitting or carbon-capturing systems.
New microscope technique reveals details of droplet nucleation
The initiation of droplet and bubble formation on surfaces can now be directly imaged, allowing for design of more efficient condensers and boilers.
Simple, solar-powered water desalination
System achieves new level of efficiency in harnessing sunlight to make fresh potable water from seawater.
Preventing energy loss in windows
Mechanical engineers are developing technologies that could prevent heat from entering or escaping windows, potentially preventing a massive loss of energy.
Experiments reveal the physics of evaporation
Changes in pressure, more so than temperature, strongly influence how quickly liquids turn to gas, researchers show.
A new approach to liquid-repelling surfaces
Novel surface design overcomes problem of condensation that bedeviled previous systems.