Hierarchical hydrophilic/hydrophobic micro/nanostructures for pushing the limits of critical heat flux

A phase change heat sink, comprising:

• a reservoir defined by a first surface spaced a distance from a second surface, the reservoir being accessible through a liquid fluid inlet, at least one of the first surface and the second surface comprising a vapor fluid outlet at least partially defined by a membrane;
• and
• an active area comprising a textured surface and configured to be in fluidic contact with fluids, the active area being accessible through said liquid fluid inlet,
• wherein:
• the active area is configured to cause, in response to a liquid fluid being communicated through the liquid fluid inlet and into the reservoir the liquid fluid to be fully vaporized into a vapor fluid in response to absorbing heat;
• and
• the membrane is configured to communicate said vapor fluid, formed from the liquid fluid once vaporized, out of the phase change heat sink, said membrane being permeable to said vapor fluid and impermeable to said liquid fluid.