Fiber-based Superwetting Surfaces: Fundamentals and Applications

In exploring fiber-based materials, the advantages of their inner constructions and displayed wettabilities diversify their applications and especially facilitate the development of immiscible liquid separation. When considering the basis of their liquid‒phase separation properties, such fibrous materials can be employed in more abundant and novel application fields in addition to oil–water separation. This article reviews the recent progress in the development of fiber-based materials with special surface wettabilities and further explores their potential in immiscible liquid separation-related fields, such as liquid/liquid mass transfer, and explores related applications in environmental purification, resource collection, energy storage and other fields. This article also explores the underlying nature that drives the wetting performance of fibrous surfaces, extends more diversified underliquid wetting models, and fully summarizes the separation mechanism and the latest corresponding applications, opening up an avenue for identifying the significance of devisable wetting performances and developing more diversified application potentials. Finally, this review proposes current challenges and expected developments in superwetting fiber-based materials with immiscible liquid separation abilities. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)