Engineering

Materials science

Astrophysics

Fouling

Biochemistry

Chemical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Physics

Nanotechnology

Membrane

Slurry

Environmental science

Composite material

Astrobiology

Chemistry

Wetting

Accretion (finance)

Dirt

Science

Surfaces that provide control over liquid, solid, or vapor accretion provide an evolutionary advantage to numerous plants, insects, and animals. Synthetic surfaces inspired by these natural surfaces can have a substantial impact on diverse commercial applications. Engineered liquid and solid repellent surfaces are often designed to impart control over a single state of matter, phase, or fouling length scale. However, surfaces used in diverse real-world applications need to effectively control the accrual of matter across multiple phases and fouling length scales. We discuss the surface design strategies aimed at controlling the accretion of different states of matter, particularly those that work across multiple length scales and different foulants. We also highlight notable applications, as well as challenges associated with these designer surfaces' scale-up and commercialization.

Design and applications of surfaces that control the accretion of matter