Continuous fabrication of bio-inspired water collecting surface via roll-type photolithography

We present a continuous fabrication method to make bio-inspired water collecting surface by using roll type photolithography for potential applications to real time air monitoring system. In this study, the carapace of the stenocara beetle was mimicked to achieve water collection from air, using a molding process involving micro-/nanofabrication techniques and roll type photolithography. We fabricated a super-hydrophilic surface on top of a super-hydrophobic surface and used two different setups to demonstrate water collection, a thermoelectric module and a humidifier. Also, the optimized geometric design for water collection was found from 16 different test samples. Detection of mercury is shown as a feasible practical application of such surfaces.