Combining nanotextured surfaces with the Leidenfrost effect for extreme water repellency

Combining superhydrophobic surfaces with Leidenfrost levitation — picture a water droplet hovering over a hot surface rather than making physical contact with it — has been explored extensively for the past decade by researchers hoping to uncover the holy grail of water-repellent surfaces. In a new twist, researchers report an anomalous water droplet-bouncing phenomenon generated by Leidenfrost levitation on nanotextured surfaces.