Liquid can be utilized in diverse methods to produce electrical energy, a principle recognized as "hydrovoltaic" technology. In our research laboratory, our focus lies in augmenting power density and enhancing energy conversion efficiency by exploiting salinity disparities in membrane-based systems. We have pioneered the development of innovative graphene-oxide-based membranes renowned for their superior ion selectivity and permeability. Concurrently, we have fine-tuned thermal conditions and access parameters to optimize power generation.

In another avenue of exploration, we leverage liquid droplets as a means of electrical energy generation. For example, upon impact, a cold water droplet can modulate surface temperature, eliciting voltage generation on pyroelectric materials. Furthermore, through the impact of liquid drops on meshes, we have successfully generated numerous microdroplets. By augmenting the total water surface area and meticulously controlling the hydrophobic coating, we have significantly amplified voltage output in liquid-based triboelectric nanogenerators.

Phase change phenomena play a crucial role in various applications such as heat management, anti-icing, desalination, and water harvesting from the air. Our focus lies in understanding liquid transport and drop dynamics associated with these phase-change phenomena.

For instance, the high mobility of water drops is beneficial for enhancing condensation heat transfer, whereas rapid liquid supply through capillary force is advantageous for evaporation heat transfer. Additionally, the strategic design of nanoporous materials can optimize water evaporation rates, offering potential applications in desalination processes.

Our research involves the fabrication of micro/nanostructured surfaces and materials, along with experimental investigations into their thermal and fluidic performance. Through these efforts, we aim to advance the understanding and utilization of phase change phenomena for various practical applications.

The distinctive water-repellent characteristics of superhydrophobic surfaces make them invaluable for a wide range of thermal-fluidic applications, particularly where minimal interaction between the surface and water is crucial. In our research, we investigate the influence of micro/nanostructures on droplet mobility while simultaneously developing diverse types of superhydrophobic surfaces tailored to specific applications.

Our fabrication techniques encompass micro/nanolithography, spray-coating, and metal oxidation, allowing us to create superhydrophobic surfaces with precision and versatility. These surfaces have been employed effectively in various applications including frictional drag reduction, enhancement of condensation heat transfer, water harvesting, and the creation of self-cleaning surfaces.

We are actively engaged in the development of micro/nanostructured surfaces designed to significantly reduce frictional drag by leveraging the air layer trapped within surface structures. Our research involves optimizing microstructure patterns to achieve maximum drag reduction, along with the development of techniques to regenerate the gas layer, ensuring the sustainability of the drag reduction effect.

The outcomes of our research hold promising applications in various fields including maritime transportation, where our findings can be implemented to enhance energy efficiency in ships, vessels, and pipelines.

Furthermore, we are exploring an innovative approach inspired by the decrease in effective viscosity observed in bacterial solutions, attributed to the collective hydrodynamics of bacteria. Our objective is to engineer active particles capable of swimming akin to bacteria, and integrate them into fluidic-thermal applications. By doing so, we aim to simultaneously achieve both pressure drop reduction and heat transfer enhancement, offering significant advancements in thermal-fluidic systems.

Our research focuses on experimental investigations into transport phenomena within micro/nanofluidic platforms. Specifically, we study interfacially-driven water transport in the presence of solute concentration gradients or temperature differentials. These surface-driven flows exhibit remarkable sensitivity to surface properties, including surface charge and frictional characteristics.

Furthermore, we explore ion transport phenomena within nanofluidic systems, with significant implications for energy harvesting and desalination applications. By delving into these intricate phenomena at the micro/nanoscale, we aim to uncover new insights and pioneer innovative solutions to address pressing challenges in fluidic transport and energy conversion.

The interaction between liquid drops and solid surfaces under dynamic conditions is a captivating area of research with wide-ranging implications for applications involving liquid droplets, including spray cooling, anti-icing, and water repellency.

Of particular interest is the ability to manipulate the dynamic behavior of drops by controlling surface wettability through micro/nanostructures and surface modification techniques. Our recent research efforts have been dedicated to reducing contact time during drop impact, investigating the impact of frictional properties on drop spreading dynamics, and studying water penetration dynamics through meshes during drop impact.

By delving into these dynamic phenomena, we aim to advance our understanding and develop strategies to enhance the performance and efficiency of various applications reliant on liquid droplet interactions with solid surfaces.

We are currently immersed in the captivating realm of "active matter," where spontaneous flow phenomena manifest within the system. Our primary focus centers on investigating cytoplasmic streaming within individual plant cells, with the aim of unraveling the intricate interplay between phenotype and environmental stimuli, and their influence on flow velocity and rheological properties within the cell.

By delving into this field, we aim to gain deeper insights into the dynamic behaviors of biological systems and their responses to external cues, ultimately contributing to our understanding of cellular dynamics and potentially unlocking new avenues for biotechnological applications.