Dynamic Spreading of Insecticidal Pesticide Droplets on Superhydrophobic Plant Leaves through Host–Guest Chemistry

Retention of pesticide droplets on superhydrophobic plant leaves was a challenge. Herein, the host–guest interaction forces between amino pillar[5]arene and three pesticides were used to regulate the spreading of pesticides on superhydrophobic interfaces. To verify the effect of host–guest interaction on spreading, the host droplets and guest droplets were sprayed simultaneously and the spreading of blended droplets was monitored. Results showed that better spreading and retention benefit from the stronger host–guest affinity. Furthermore, theoretical simulation reapplied the process of spreading of blended droplets and verified the promotion of host–guest interaction to the spreading of pesticide droplets on superhydrophobic plant leaves. This study not only provides a host–guest chemical strategy for the dynamic spreading of pesticide droplets but also proposes a spraying method to achieve the retention of pesticide droplets on superhydrophobic plant leaves.