Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical Applications
This comprehensive review systematically explores the molecular design and functional applications of nano-smooth hydrophilic ionic polymer surfaces. Beginning with advanced fabrication strategies—including plasma treatment, surface grafting, and layer-by-layer assembly—we critically evaluate their...
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MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Nanomaterials |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/8/591 |
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| author | Huiyun Wang Chongling Cheng Dayang Wang |
| author_facet | Huiyun Wang Chongling Cheng Dayang Wang |
| author_sort | Huiyun Wang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This comprehensive review systematically explores the molecular design and functional applications of nano-smooth hydrophilic ionic polymer surfaces. Beginning with advanced fabrication strategies—including plasma treatment, surface grafting, and layer-by-layer assembly—we critically evaluate their efficacy in eliminating surface irregularities and tailoring wettability. Central to this discussion are the types of ionic groups, molecular configurations, and counterion hydration effects, which collectively govern macroscopic hydrophilicity through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and molecular reorganization. By bridging molecular-level insights with application-driven design, we highlight breakthroughs in oil–water separation, anti-fogging, anti-icing, and anti-waxing technologies, where precise control over ionic group density, the hydration layer’s stability, and the degree of perfection enable exceptional performance. Case studies demonstrate how zwitterionic architectures, pH-responsive coatings, and biomimetic interfaces address real-world challenges in industrial and biomedical settings. In conclusion, we synthesize the molecular mechanisms governing hydrophilic ionic surfaces and identify key research directions to address future material challenges. This review bridges critical gaps in the current understanding of molecular-level determinants of wettability while providing actionable design principles for engineered hydrophilic surfaces. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e966ad44c8844c8ea25e171a04310031 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2079-4991 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Nanomaterials |
| spelling | doaj-art-e966ad44c8844c8ea25e171a043100312025-08-20T02:28:25ZengMDPI AGNanomaterials2079-49912025-04-0115859110.3390/nano15080591Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical ApplicationsHuiyun Wang0Chongling Cheng1Dayang Wang2State Key Laboratory for Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, ChinaState Key Laboratory for Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, ChinaThis comprehensive review systematically explores the molecular design and functional applications of nano-smooth hydrophilic ionic polymer surfaces. Beginning with advanced fabrication strategies—including plasma treatment, surface grafting, and layer-by-layer assembly—we critically evaluate their efficacy in eliminating surface irregularities and tailoring wettability. Central to this discussion are the types of ionic groups, molecular configurations, and counterion hydration effects, which collectively govern macroscopic hydrophilicity through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and molecular reorganization. By bridging molecular-level insights with application-driven design, we highlight breakthroughs in oil–water separation, anti-fogging, anti-icing, and anti-waxing technologies, where precise control over ionic group density, the hydration layer’s stability, and the degree of perfection enable exceptional performance. Case studies demonstrate how zwitterionic architectures, pH-responsive coatings, and biomimetic interfaces address real-world challenges in industrial and biomedical settings. In conclusion, we synthesize the molecular mechanisms governing hydrophilic ionic surfaces and identify key research directions to address future material challenges. This review bridges critical gaps in the current understanding of molecular-level determinants of wettability while providing actionable design principles for engineered hydrophilic surfaces.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/8/591ionic surfacespolyelectrolyteshydrophilic coatingwettingsurface hydration |
| spellingShingle | Huiyun Wang Chongling Cheng Dayang Wang Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical Applications Nanomaterials ionic surfaces polyelectrolytes hydrophilic coating wetting surface hydration |
| title | Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical Applications |
| title_full | Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical Applications |
| title_fullStr | Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical Applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical Applications |
| title_short | Holistic Molecular Design of Ionic Surfaces for Tailored Water Wettability and Technical Applications |
| title_sort | holistic molecular design of ionic surfaces for tailored water wettability and technical applications |
| topic | ionic surfaces polyelectrolytes hydrophilic coating wetting surface hydration |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/8/591 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT huiyunwang holisticmoleculardesignofionicsurfacesfortailoredwaterwettabilityandtechnicalapplications AT chonglingcheng holisticmoleculardesignofionicsurfacesfortailoredwaterwettabilityandtechnicalapplications AT dayangwang holisticmoleculardesignofionicsurfacesfortailoredwaterwettabilityandtechnicalapplications |