Chemical heterogeneous surface and its applications in chemical engineering

The demonstrated excellent performance of fluid on the nano-/microscopic chemical heterogeneous surface has attracted wide attention. However, the application of the chemical heterogeneous surface in chemical engineering is still a baffling issue to chemical engineers. In this article, the distinct properties of heterogeneous surfaces in chemical industry are discussed, and based on recent publications, the wetting behavior on heterogeneous surfaces and the influences of chemical heterogeneity on molecular transport are reviewed. The factors affecting the properties of chemical heterogeneous surfaces are complicated. With the method of modern surface science and computer technology, and based on the understanding of interaction of fluid and surface on the molecular level, most chemical processes could be improved. Thus chemical heterogeneity could be considered one of the methods promoting the development of chemical industry.