A Trilogy of Drops: The Birth, Life, and Death of Condensates on Lubricated Surfaces

Every time we take a cold can of soda from the fridge, we observe the life cycle of water droplets: the birth as condensation forms on the cold surface, the life as droplets grow, interact and coalesce, and the eventual death when the water evaporates. On lubricated surfaces, however, this life cycle undergoes a qualitative transformation, revealing more intriguing behaviors. In this trilogy of drops on lubricated surfaces, we delve into the captivating journey from condensation to evaporation, mirroring the cycle of life with newfound complexities.

Birth begins with condensation, where atmospheric moisture materializes into drops on a lubricated substrate, initiating unique interfacial phenomena. Life is characterized by the dynamic 'dance' of these drops—self-propelled motion arising from interfacial forces, showcasing complex interactions and emergent behaviors not seen on traditional surfaces. Finally, Death arrives through electrosprays, as evaporative forces drive periodic sprays from charged drops, leading to their eventual dispersal. This journey, from formation to evaporation, unveils novel insights into interfacial dynamics with potential applications across fields from atmospheric water harvesting to nanomaterial fabrication.