We report a type of copper-based ultrathin nickel nanocone films with high-efficiency dropwise condensation heat transfer (DCHT) performance, which can be fabricated by facile electrodeposition and low-surface-energy chemistry modification. Compared with flat copper samples, our nanosamples show condensate microdrop self-propelling (CMDSP) function and over 89% enhancement in the DCHT coefficient. Such remarkable enhancement may be ascribed to the cooperation of surface nanostructure-induced CMDSP function as well as in situ integration and ultrathin nature of nanofilms. These findings are very significant to design and develop advanced DCHT materials and devices, which help improve the efficiency of thermal management and energy utilization.
Keywords: dropwise condensation; enhanced heat transfer; microdrop self-propelling; nanostructure; ultrathin film.