Advances in Controllable Water Transport of Textile Porous Materials: Mechanism, Structure Design, Fabrication and Application

Abstract

This paper explores the latest breakthroughs in the controllable water transport of textile porous materials, presenting a comprehensive overview of the mechanism that governs water transport in textile porous materials. The mechanism is determined by several factors including porosity, pore size distributions, capillary diameter gradients, cross-section and angle gradients of capillaries, and contact angle and surface tension gradients. Four methods to achieve controllable water transport properties in textiles are elaborated: structural design, chemical finishing, plasma treatment, and ultraviolet photocatalysis. Moreover, three distinct applications of controllable water transport in textile porous materials are revealed, including oil–water separation, fog/water harvesting, and functional/intelligent textiles. The potential environmental benefits and advancements in textile controllable water transport properties are also highlighted. The review concludes by suggesting promising research works in the future.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Porous materials / Controllable water transport materials / Hygroscopic mechanism / Nanofiber / Chemical Sciences / Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural) / Engineering / Materials Engineering

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Funding

the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 12472141，52073224)

Shaanxi Outstanding Youth Science Fund Project, China(No. 2024JC-JCQN-03)

Shaanxi Natural Science Foundation Project, China(No. 2023KXJ-034)

Xi'an Science and Technology Plan Project, China(No. 23ZDCYJSGG0032-2022)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China