Bio-inspired self-repairing slippery surfaces with pressure-stable omniphobicity

Inspired by a carnivorous pitcher plant whose slippery surface enables it to capture insects, we developed a simple and versatile solution for a robust ultra-slippery surface by infiltrating a lubricating liquid into structured solids forming a ultra smooth film (roughness~1 nm) (Fig. 2a). By minimizing the adhesion between the surface and a test liquid, the slippery surface shows characteristics that no other synthetic/natural surfaces possess such as repelling low surface-tension liquids and complex fluids such as oil and blood (Figs. 2 b&c) at low sliding angles, instantaneous and repeatable self-healing, extreme pressure stability and optical transparency (Nature 2011, U.S. Patent pending). Due to its unique characteristics, the slippery surface may open up new opportunities for scientific studies related to adhesion, nucleation, transport phenomena, blood coagulation, and bio-fouling, and emerging needs in biomedical fluid handling, fuel transport, anti-icing, self-cleaning optical devices, and many more areas that are beyond the reach of current technologies.

Fig. 2. (a) Schematics showing the fabrication of a slippery surface. (b)-(c) Repellence of technologically and clinically important fluids such as (b) crude oil and (c) blood. SLIPS stands for slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces. All scale bars: 10 mm.
Fig. 2. (a) Schematics showing the fabrication of a slippery surface. (b)-(c) Repellence of technologically and clinically important fluids such as (b) crude oil and (c) blood. SLIPS stands for slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces. All scale bars: 10 mm.