The fabrication and application of a triphasic reaction interface based on superwettability for improved reaction efficiency

Abstract

Biomimetic superwetting interfaces with controllable surface wettability are constantly applied to industrial engineering, exhibiting significant impact on chemical reactions involving gas in particular. However, low solubility and sluggish gas diffusion rates are the main defects of the conventional solid–liquid biphasic system, both of which have a detrimental effect on the reaction efficiency. According to studies, it is possible to create a gas–liquid–solid triphasic reaction system by building a suitable wettability reaction interface, which resolves the issue of poor reaction efficiency of conventional biphasic systems. The basic principle of establishing a triphasic system is summarized in this review. Gaseous reactants in a triphasic system will reach the reaction's active site quickly, and the gaseous products will quickly leave the catalyst surface, thus improving the mass transfer efficiency as well as reactivity and selectivity. The applications of triphasic systems in photocatalysis, electrochemistry, and bioelectronics are covered in detail.