Distinct features of chemically patterned surfaces for boiling heat transfer enhancement

With the intensification of power electronics cooling requirements, substantial attention has recently been drawn by two-phase thermal management schemes. Due to the ability to absorb large quantities of heat at near-constant wall temperatures through exploitation of the working fluid's latent heat, there have been special efforts to further enhance pool- and flow-boiling performance. Various surface modification methodologies (e.g., roughening, micro/nano structures and wettability control), have been proven to largely enhance the boiling heat transfer performance, but chemically-patterned biphilic surfaces show unique potential for mass-production and fine control of boiling properties. In this chapter, we discuss the specific advantages and mechanisms through which chemically-patterned biphilic surfaces can simultaneously enhance many properties of boiling systems. We provide context and then present some highlighted studies from our lab group on the enhancement of pool- and then flow-boiling, in turn. Through this discussion, we aim to provide insights and guidance for boiling heat transfer enhancement using chemically patterned surfaces, and to assist the reader in conceptualization and assessment of future work in the field.