SPP 2171 Workshop: "Wetting of Flexible, Adaptive, and Switchable Substrates"

Liquid diodes are surface structures that facilitate the spontaneous flow of liquids in a specific direction. In nature, they are used to increase water collection and uptake, reproduction, and feeding. However, large networks with directional properties are exceptional and are typically limited up to a few centimeters. Here, we simulate, design, and 3D print liquid diode networks consisting of hundreds of unit cells. We provide structural and wettability guidelines for directional transport of liquids through these networks and introduce percolation theory in order to identify the threshold between a connected network, which allows fluid to reach specific points, and a disconnected network. By constructing well-defined networks with uni- and bidirectional pathways, we experimentally demonstrate the applicability of models describing isotropically directed percolation. We accurately predict the network permeability and the liquid final state. These guidelines are highly promising for the development of structures for spontaneous, yet predictable, directional liquid transport.