Self-cleaning mechanisms according to the wettability of the surface and deposition material

Abstract

Soot deposition reduces efficiency and is difficult to remove. In this study, two self-cleaning methods were developed. First, an existing approach was modified to self-clean oleophilic soot on a superoleophobic surface using oil. The high contact angle between the surface and oil and adherence between the soot and oil caused the self-cleaning effect. A second method was a novel approach, in which hydrophobic soot on a superhydrophilic surface was self-cleaned using water. Strong adhesion between the surface and water removed the deposited soot layer, causing the self-cleaning effect. Therefore, the self-cleaning effect occurred when the wettability of the surface to the cleaning liquid was opposite to that of the contaminant.