Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HARMoNIC (HierARchical Multiscale NanoInterfaces for enhanced Condensation processes)
Berichtszeitraum: 2019-10-01 bis 2022-07-31
1. Engineering rationally, hierarchical interface nanotextures, also with controllable directionality.
2. Introducing a new norm of random biphilicity in the above interfaces at the submicron level.
3. Realizing novel superhydrophobic membranes through controlled coating of commercial hollow fiber membranes.
4. Novel computational concepts: a) methods of nanometrology to precisely and rationally describe the fabricated complex interfaces, and b) introducing new simulation concepts to understand and predict drop wise condensation phenomena on textured surfaces
Concept 1 is related to heat transfer via dropwise condensation, where we target lifetime performance relevant to industrial surface condensers, while significantly improving their heat transfer coefficient. By employing concept 2 we target novel material systems focusing on dew water harvesting in humid environments. Concept 3 targets new surface modification approaches for commercial membranes to achieve high efficiency in water desalination while ensuring anti-biofouling. For the first three concepts described above, a key component of our work will be to ensure economic scalability, of the precisely controlled textures, to large surface areas so that they can be converted to industrial products. For achieving optimal design, quantification and repeatable manufacturability of the aforementioned interfaces, we will employ novel metrology methods for hierarchical surfaces (concept 4a), as well as novel simulation approaches (concept 4b) which will provide important theoretical feedback and understanding of the influence of critical surface structural parameters, through the entire project.
For the WP2, an experimental setup for performing quantitative water collection and heat transfer measurements has been assembled and we are conducting our first experiments. We presented the fabrication processes for various directional interfaces using micro-milling and plasma etching / nanotexturing. Surfaces with parallel trenches, or perpendicular to the surface texture, or inclined to the surface texture and with varying hierarchy levels were fabricated. An experimental set up for testing dew water harvesting was developed, and condensation observation has shown the increased drop mobility on such superhydrophobic surfaces. First dew water harvesting results were presented.
For the WP3, we developed a reliable coating technology to create tri-layer superhydrophobic flat sheet membranes. A setup to characterize membrane distillation (MD) dynamics has been developed. The established MD testing setup has provided experimental data that demonstrates the enhanced MD performance of the developed tri-layer superhydrophobic membranes. Surface treatments for commercial membranes using plasma methods have also been demonstrated, and biofouling and desalination tests have been conducted.
For the WP4, the first results of the modeling framework, demonstrate its potential for the study of dropwise condensation. The results of the modeling framework, demonstrate the events of droplet coalescence, droplet jumping, and droplet removal due to gravity. Both the simulation tools and the metrology tools are in place for use by the experimental work packages.
In WP5, a proper plan has been prepared for the efficient dissemination and exploitation of the HARMoNIC outputs. The plan is divided into four major groups, scientific outputs, data management, academic and public outreach and industrial engagement. Each of the group is further divided into subgroups and each of the group has given equal importance and the interconnection between groups and subgroups has been appropriately addressed. In first year, a significant progress has already been made in each section including publications, conference organization and especially, industrial engagement.
WP 6 concentrates on the project management of HARMoNIC. The main goal is to ensure the smooth management, specific objectives include the proactive exchange between project partners, organization of regular project meetings, monitoring of the timely execution of deliverables and milestones, project monitoring referring to the proper fulfillment of all contractual responsibilities of the consortium members towards the EU, and providing administrative, financial, legal and technical support. The process is continuous and has started in month 1 of the HARMoNIC project and will continue until the end of the project.