Dry condensation of moist air for a large subcooling on transparent superhydrophobic surfaces

Efficient droplet removal from a cool super-repellent surface is highly desired in various industrial applications, such as condensation, water collection, anti-icing, and so on. However, designing surfaces that maintain their non-wetting properties in condensation conditions is still a challenge. Here, we develop a facile one-step vapor-deposition technique to fabricate transparent superhydrophobic surfaces that allows for the attainment of sustained and dry condensation. Careful optimization of the synthesis procedure, surface morphology, wettability and departure dynamics of condensate droplets was implemented, leading to enhanced dry condensation performances at a wide range of surface subcooling. The maximum diameter and coverage rate of condensation droplets were strictly confined to ∼50 µm and ∼20%, respectively. Moreover, the designed surfaces exhibit excellent self-cleaning performance in condensation environments. We envision that the facile and fluorine-free strategy for fabricating excellent dry condensation surfaces could be valuable in popularizing their practical applications.