Search

Minimizing frictional resistance and preventing the attachment of marine organisms are extremely important for global ship navigation to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, there is still a lack of an effective and environmentally-friendly drag reduction and antifouling method. Here, we propose a spontaneous fast-moving air film to resolve this problem. We first developed a serial brachistochrone-shaped superhydrophobic pattern to easily capture underwater air bubbles and realize the spontaneous and directional transportation of bubbles with an average velocity of 444 mm s−1 that is the fastest in the whole world. Then, the continuous supply of air bubbles and serial brachistochrone-shaped superhydrophobic pattern were combined to form a spontaneous fast-moving air film, which not only prevents the escape of supplied air bubbles but also replenishes the air film on a superhydrophobic surface. The spontaneous fast-moving air film showed an amazing 27% drag reduction rate and simultaneous 80% antifouling rate, which was an outstanding capability that had never been reported before. This effective and environmentally-friendly drag reduction and antifouling method will minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions and has strong implications for global sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]