Fluid-Permeable Body Having a Superhydrophobic Surface

Abstract

Apparatus including a rigid fluid-permeable body, having a first non-planar fluid-permeable body surface, and having a second fluid-permeable body surface; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; and a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface. Apparatus including a fluid-permeable body having first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface; and a fluid containment body forming, together with the second fluid-permeable body surface, a second fluid containment structure. Methods, utilizing an apparatus, of treating a liquid with a fluid, and of maintaining a superhydrophobic surface.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of treating a liquid with a fluid, comprising:
 providing an apparatus including: a fluid-permeable body including a first fluid containment structure and having first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body, each of a plurality of the fluid-permeable cells having a cell wall defining a fluid pathway communicating with openings in both the first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface; and a fluid containment body forming, together with the second fluid-permeable body surface, a second fluid containment structure; and   introducing a first liquid into the first fluid containment structure and introducing a fluid into the second fluid containment structure, whereby interaction is allowed to occur between the first liquid and the fluid through the fluid-permeable body.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , in which a pressure in the first fluid containment structure is maintained within a selected range relative to a pressure in the second fluid containment structure. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , including allowing contact to occur, through the fluid-permeable body, between the first liquid and a gas in the fluid. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , in which the apparatus includes a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the second fluid-permeable body surface; and including:
 introducing a second liquid into the second fluid containment structure and allowing the first and second liquids to interact through the fluid-permeable body.   
     
     
         19 . A method of maintaining a superhydrophobic surface, comprising:
 providing an apparatus including: a fluid-permeable body including a first fluid containment structure and having first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body, each of a plurality of the fluid-permeable cells having a cell wall defining a fluid pathway communicating with openings in both the first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface; and a fluid containment body forming, together with the second fluid-permeable body surface, a second fluid containment structure; and   introducing a liquid into the first fluid containment structure, introducing a gaseous fluid into the second fluid containment structure, and maintaining a pressure in the first fluid containment structure within a selected range relative to a pressure in the second fluid containment structure.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , including causing the second fluid containment structure to be placed under an elevated pressure.