Abstract: Inventive surfaces, and methods of using the same, are provided that exhibit improved water collection and frost formation properties over prior art surfaces. The inventive surfaces have a plurality of nanosized recessed areas formed therein. The geometries and patterns of the recessed areas are particularly designed to discourage water droplet coalescence on the surfaces. Due to these designs, the surfaces are capable of forming and maintaining smaller, as well as asymmetrical, droplets on the surfaces. As a result, a greater surface area of the inventive surfaces can be covered by water droplets, thereby increasing water recovery. In addition, the smaller, asymmetrical droplets lead to desirable frost layer characteristics under non-cryogenic freezing conditions.

Abstract: Inventive surfaces, and methods of using the same, are provided that exhibit improved water collection and frost formation properties over prior art surfaces. The inventive surfaces have a plurality of nanosized recessed areas formed therein. The geometries and patterns of the recessed areas are particularly designed to discourage water droplet coalescence on the surfaces. Due to these designs, the surfaces are capable of forming and maintaining smaller, as well as asymmetrical, droplets on the surfaces. As a result, a greater surface area of the inventive surfaces can be covered by water droplets, thereby increasing water recovery. In addition, the smaller, asymmetrical droplets lead to desirable frost layer characteristics under non-cryogenic freezing conditions.