Design and Fabrication of Nature-Inspired Surfaces for Anti-Fouling: A Review

Fouling in airborne and aquatic environments greatly deteriorates the performance and reliability of various devices. Biological species in nature possess distinctive surface structures that prevent the accumulation of foulants for survival. In this review, we discussed the mechanism that underlies surface fouling and the design principles of anti-fouling surfaces in both air and water environments. Second, we reviewed nature-inspired, anti-fouling surfaces that effectively reduced the driving forces of fouling phenomena in air and water environments. Specifically, surface with anti-dust properties in air environments can be achieved through controlling van der Waals, electrostatic, or capillary forces, while exposure to foulants in water environments can be effectively minimized through the formation of air, lubricant, or hydration barrier layers on surfaces. Third, we introduced studies on multifunctional, anti-fouling surfaces tailored to specific, target applications. Finally, future directions for the successful deployment of nature-inspired, anti-fouling surfaces in diverse applications are discussed. This review describes efforts to realize anti-fouling surfaces and enhance the performance of devices with reduced maintenance.