Bioinspired wet-assembly fibers: from nanofragments to microhumps on string in mist

Abstract

A bioinspired wet-assembly microhump fiber (BWMF) is successfully fabricated by employing the water coalescence-induced self-assembly of nanofragments attached on the fibers. The sizes and distances of the humps on the BWMF are easily controlled by regulating coalescence time and relative humidity. Furthermore, the strong water collecting ability of the BWMF is demonstrated. This finding is significant for fabricating smart materials with homo- or heterostructures at micro- and nano-levels that can be extended into realms such as microreactors, sensors, and fog harvesting.