Review of Superhydrophobic Surfaces Inspired by the Lotus Leaf Effect: Quantification of Structural Mechanisms, Functional Design, and Performance Optimization

In recent years, superhydrophobic surfaces have demonstrated significant advantages in the field of anti-icing due to their unique micro-nano structures and low surface energy properties. However, in practical applications, issues such as insufficient material durability and static anti-icing performance, which make it difficult to respond dynamically to external stimuli, have restricted the practical promotion and application potential of superhydrophobic surfaces in complex environments. In terms of data integration, this review systematically sorts out the structural characteristic parameters of lotus leaf wax crystals (such as three-dimensional wax tube density and chemical composition), micro-papillae (such as size distribution and strain formula), submillimeter papillae (such as spatial distribution), and hollow interlayers (such as the relationship between porosity and elastic modulus). It quantifies the contribution of each structure to hydrophobicity and durability through formula derivation. From the research perspective, breaking through the linear narrative of traditional reviews, it takes the design principles of the natural structure of lotus leaves as a link to classify and integrate the research status of three types of superhydrophobic surfaces: macro, photothermal, and phase change. Combined with data such as droplet contact time and photothermal conversion efficiency, it establishes the corresponding relationship between bionic design and functional performance from the aspects of "principle-performance advantages-application limitations". This paper provides data support and theoretical reference for the structural optimization of new ice-phobic superhydrophobic surfaces, and helps promote the transformation of this technology from laboratory research to industrial practical application.