Fog Harvesting Via Multistage Edge-Effect Condensation

The escalating global population and rapid industrialization have precipitated a severe freshwater scarcity crisis. To address this challenge, innovative strategies are essential to exploit unconventional water sources such as atmospheric vapor. This study proposes a novel approach integrating 3D printing technology with surface chemistry principles for atmospheric fog harvesting. The approach entails leveraging 3D printing technology, chosen for its cost‐effectiveness, unparalleled design flexibility to design intricate geometries, and time efficiency to fabricate cylindrical millimeter‐scale size vertical pillars. Harnessing the intricate interplay of surface phenomena, condensation preferentially occurs on the pillar tops due to surface phenomena. The pillars are imbued with nonadecane, a hydrocarbon renowned for its low surface energy characteristics ensures the uninterrupted progression of water droplet formation, coalescence, and seamless transportation, unveiling a symphony of molecular interactions at the microscale. The design demonstrates promising results, yielding an impressive yield of ≈3.956 g of water per hour from 1 cm2 area. Geometric discontinuities associated with parahydrophobic pillars amplify water harvesting via an edge effect. This study represents a significant step toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced solution for the global water crisis.