Laser Fabrication of Bioinspired Gradient Surfaces for Wettability Applications

Abstract Inspired by nature, gradient surfaces have attracted broad research interest because of their potential in microfluidics, fog/water collection, and water electrolysis. Among the various techniques for preparing gradient surfaces, laser processing is substrate‐independent, facile and efficient, pattern‐diverse, which can be used to prepare diverse gradient surfaces. Here, recent advances in the laser fabrication of gradient surfaces for wettability applications are summarized. The preparation principles of gradient surfaces and advantages of laser processing are introduced. Various laser fabrication strategies and wettability applications of gradient surfaces including wettability gradients and geometric gradients are discussed. Challenges and future perspectives for the laser fabrication of gradient surfaces are finally presented.