1
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Jia H, Li X, Chen K, Yang F, Ren H, Li H, Li C. Enhancing Directional Droplet Transport via Surface Charge Gradient: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 39258984 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The phenomenon of spontaneous droplet transport has a wide range of implications in water collection, microfluidic manipulation, oil-water separation, and various other fields. Achieving efficient and controllable spontaneous droplet transport is therefore of paramount importance. This study investigates the potential of surface charge manipulation to enhance spontaneous droplet transport through comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings reveal that the surface charge of the substrate significantly influences its wettability, reducing the contact angle of the droplet and increasing both the contact area and interaction energy. Moreover, we introduce a novel approach to enhance droplet mobility by creating a surface charge gradient on the substrate. By introducing bands with varying charges along a specific direction of the substrate, the droplet experiences a force directed toward regions of increasing charge, thereby facilitating its movement. Importantly, the driving mechanism of droplet motion is well explained by combining classical electrowetting theory with the analysis of the droplet's advancing and receding contact angles, which demonstrates that a more pronounced surface charge gradient generates greater force and enhances droplet mobility. These findings offer valuable insights into the design of microfluidic systems and related applications based on electrowetting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Jia
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xuhao Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Urban Planning and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Hongru Ren
- School of Science, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, China
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Innovation Center, NPU Chongqing, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Chun Li
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
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2
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Zhang S, Liang Z, Chen X, Lu L, Lu Z, Liu T, Luo B, Liu Y, Chi M, Wang J, Cai C, Gao C, Wang S, Nie S. Triboelectrically Empowered Biomimetic Heterogeneous Wettability Surface for Efficient Fog Collection. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:11319-11326. [PMID: 39207030 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Biomimetic engineering surfaces featuring heterogeneous wettability are vital for atmospheric water harvesting applications. Existing research predominantly focuses on the coordinated regulation of surface wettability through structural and chemical modifications, often overlooking the prevalent triboelectric charge effect at the liquid-solid interface. In this work, we designed a heterogeneous wettability surface by strategic masking and activated its latent triboelectric charge using triboelectric brushes, thereby enhancing the removal and renewal of surface droplets. By examining the dynamic evolution of droplets, the mechanism of triboelectric enhancement in the water collection efficiency is elucidated. Leveraging this inherent triboelectric charge interaction, fog collection capacity can be augmented by 29% by activating the system for 5 s every 60 s. Consequently, the advancement of triboelectric charge-enhanced fog collection technology holds both theoretical and practical significance for overcoming the limitations of traditional surface wettability regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Zhidong Liang
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Linji Lu
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Zengzheng Lu
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Tao Liu
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Bin Luo
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Mingchao Chi
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Jinlong Wang
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Chenchen Cai
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Cong Gao
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Shuangfei Wang
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Shuangxi Nie
- School of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
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3
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Cheng Q, Chen J, Cai W, Yu X, Wan C, Wang Y, Xiong B, Huang C, Yang Z. Biomimetic Colored Coating toward Robust Display under Hostile Conditions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:48448-48456. [PMID: 39186756 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Structural colors particularly of the angle-independent category stemming from wavelength-dependent light scattering have aroused increasing interest due to their considerable applications spanning displays and sensors to detection. Nevertheless, these colors would be heavily altered and even disappear during practical applications, which is related with the variation of refractive index mismatch by liquid wetting/infiltrating. Inspired by bird feathers, we propose a simple deposition toward the coating with angle-independent structural color and superamphiphobicity. The coating is composed of ∼200 nm-sized channel-type structures between hollow silica and air nanostructures, exhibiting a robust sapphire blue color independent of intense liquid intrusion, which duplicates the characteristics of the back feather of Eastern Bluebird. A high color saturation and superamphiphobicity of the biomimetic coating are optimized by manipulating the coating parameters or adding black substances. Excellent durability under harsh conditions endows the coating with long-term service life in various extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyong Cheng
- Key Lab of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- Key Lab of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Wenlong Cai
- Key Lab of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Key Lab of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Chuchu Wan
- Key Lab of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices (Ministry of Education), Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Bijin Xiong
- Key Lab of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Caili Huang
- Key Lab of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhenzhong Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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4
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Das JP, Nardekar SS, Ravichandran V, Kim SJ. From Friction to Function: A High-Voltage Sliding Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Highly Efficient Energy Autonomous IoTs and Self-Powered Actuation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2405792. [PMID: 39221685 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202405792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
An advanced energy autonomous system that simultaneously harnesses and stores energy on the same platform offers exciting opportunities for the near-future self-powered miniature electronics. However, achieving optimal synchronization between the power output of an energy harvester and the storage unit or integrating it seamlessly with real-time microelectronics to build a highly efficient energy autonomous system remains challenging. Herein, a unique bimetallic layered double hydroxide (LDH) based tribo-positive layer is introduced for a high-voltage sliding triboelectric nanogenerator (S-TENG) with an output voltage of ≈1485 V and power output of 250 µW, respectively. To demonstrate the potential of a self-charging power system, S-TENG is integrated with on-chip micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) as a storage unit. The MSC array effectively self-charged up to 4.8 V (within 220s), providing ample power to support micro-sensory systems. In addition, by utilizing the high-voltage output of the S-TENG, the efficient operation of electrostatic actuators and digital microfluidic (DMF) systems driven directly by simple mechanical motion is further demonstrated. Overall, this work can provide a solid foundation for the advancement of next-generation energy-autonomous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Prakash Das
- Nanomaterials & System Lab, Major of Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Applied Energy System, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Swapnil Shital Nardekar
- Nanomaterials & System Lab, Major of Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Applied Energy System, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Vishwanathan Ravichandran
- Nanomaterials & System Lab, Major of Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Applied Energy System, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Jae Kim
- Nanomaterials & System Lab, Major of Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Applied Energy System, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
- Nanomaterials & System Lab, Major of Mechanical System Engineering, College of Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of New Energy Industry (RINEI), Jeju National University, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea
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5
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Xiao H, Yu Z, Liang J, Ding L, Zhu J, Wang Y, Chen S, Xin JH. Wetting Behavior-Induced Interfacial transmission of Energy and Signal: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2407856. [PMID: 39032113 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Wetting behaviors can significantly affect the transport of energy and signal (E&S) through vapor, solid, and liquid interfaces, which has prompted increased interest in interfacial science and technology. E&S transmission can be achieved using electricity, light, and heat, which often accompany and interact with each other. Over the past decade, their distinctive transport phenomena during wetting processes have made significant contributions to various domains. However, few studies have analyzed the intricate relationship between wetting behavior and E&S transport. This review summarizes and discusses the mechanisms of electrical, light, and heat transmission at wetting interfaces to elucidate their respective scientific issues, technical characteristics, challenges, commonalities, and potential for technological convergence. The materials, structures, and devices involved in E&S transportation are also analyzed. Particularly, harnessing synergistic advantages in practical applications and constructing advanced, multifunctional, and highly efficient smart systems based on wetted interfaces is the aim to provide strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyuan Xiao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zilin Yu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jiechang Liang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Lei Ding
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jingshuai Zhu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Yuanfeng Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Shiguo Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - John H Xin
- Research Centre of Smart Wearable Technology, Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
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6
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Ma J, Majmudar A, Tian B. Bridging the Gap-Thermofluidic Designs for Precision Bioelectronics. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302431. [PMID: 37975642 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectronics, the merging of biology and electronics, can monitor and modulate biological behaviors across length and time scales with unprecedented capability. Current bioelectronics research largely focuses on devices' mechanical properties and electronic designs. However, the thermofluidic control is often overlooked, which is noteworthy given the discipline's importance in almost all bioelectronics processes. It is believed that integrating thermofluidic designs into bioelectronics is essential to align device precision with the complexity of biofluids and biological structures. This perspective serves as a mini roadmap for researchers in both fields to introduce key principles, applications, and challenges in both bioelectronics and thermofluids domains. Important interdisciplinary opportunities for the development of future healthcare devices and precise bioelectronics will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingcheng Ma
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Aman Majmudar
- The College, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Bozhi Tian
- The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- The Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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7
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Kajouri R, Theodorakis PE, Milchev A. Durotaxis and Antidurotaxis Droplet Motion onto Gradient Gel-Substrates. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:17779-17785. [PMID: 39106075 PMCID: PMC11340025 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The self-sustained motion of fluids on gradient substrates is a spectacular phenomenon, which can be employed and controlled in applications by carefully engineering the substrate properties. Here, we report on a design of a gel substrate with stiffness gradient, which can cause the spontaneous motion of a droplet along (durotaxis) or to the opposite (antidurotaxis) direction of the gradient, depending on the droplet affinity to the substrate. By using extensive molecular dynamics simulations of a coarse-grained model, we find that the mechanisms of the durotaxis and antidurotaxis droplet motion are distinct, require the minimization of the interfacial energy between the droplet and the substrate, and share similarities with those mechanisms previously observed for brush substrates with stiffness gradient. Moreover, durotaxis motion takes place over a wider range of affinities and is generally more efficient (faster motion) than antidurotaxis. Thus, our study points to further possibilities and guidelines for realizing both antidurotaxis and durotaxis motion on the same gradient substrate for applications in microfluidics, energy conservation, and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Kajouri
- Institute
for Computational Physics, University of
Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Andrey Milchev
- Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physical
Chemistry, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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8
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Jiao S, Cheng P, Li Q, Wang X, Li Y, Cheng Z, Lai H, Liu Y. Light-induced manipulation of ultra-low surface tension droplets on stable quasi-liquid surfaces. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 677:303-311. [PMID: 39146818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Perfluorocarbon is commonly used as a coolant, chemical reaction carrier solvent, medical anti-hypoxic agents and blood substitutes. The realization of non-contact complex manipulation of perfluorocarbon liquids is urgently needed in human life and industrial production. However, most liquid-repellent interfaces are ineffective for the transport of ultra-low surface tension perfluorocarbon liquids, and struggle to maintain good durability due to unstable air or oil cushions in the surface. Therefore, preparing surfaces for stable non-contact complex manipulation of ultra-low surface tension droplets remains a challenge. EXPERIMENTS In this paper, a novel solution, a photothermal responsive droplet manipulation surface based on polydimethylsiloxane brushes, has been reported. On this surface, droplets with different surface tensions (as low as 10 mN/m) can be efficiently manipulated through induced near-infrared light. Notably, this surface maintains its effectiveness after exposure to extreme anthropogenic conditions. FINDINGS The interface effect between perfluorocarbon droplets and polydimethylsiloxane brushes by near-infrared light-induced was investigated in detail. In addition, ultra-low surface tension droplets demonstrate the ability to transport solid particles. The conductive droplets exhibit sophisticated manipulation realizing the controlled switching of smart circuits. This research opens up new possibilities for advancing the capabilities and adaptability of ultralow surface tension droplets in a range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouzheng Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource & Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource & Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Qian Li
- Institute of Radiation Technology, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource & Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yufen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource & Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zhongjun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource & Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Hua Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource & Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Yuyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource & Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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9
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Pal GC, Agrawal M, Siddhartha SS, Sharma CS. Damping the jump of coalescing droplets through substrate compliance. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:6361-6370. [PMID: 39076071 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00643g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Sessile droplets coalescing on superhydrophobic surfaces result in spontaneous droplet jumping. Here, through coalescence experiments and fluid-structure interaction simulations for microliter droplets, we demonstrate that such droplet jumping can be damped if the underlying substrate is designed to be compliant. We show that a compliant superhydrophobic substrate with synergistic combinations of low stiffness and inertia deforms rapidly during the coalescence process to minimize the substrate reaction, thus diminishing the jumping velocity. A spring-mass system model for coalescing water droplets is proposed that successfully captures droplet motion and substrate deformation for a wide range of compliant superhydrophobic substrates. These insights can be leveraged to improve the process efficiency in multiple applications, such as designing compliant superhydrophobic substrates for minimizing the scattering of small, nanoliter-sized droplets during atmospheric water harvesting. Lastly, experiments on an exemplar butterfly wing show that droplet jumping velocity reduction can also manifest on natural superhydrophobic substrates due to their inherent compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Chandra Pal
- Thermofluidics Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab 140 001, India.
| | - Manish Agrawal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab 140 001, India
| | - Saladi Satya Siddhartha
- Thermofluidics Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab 140 001, India.
| | - Chander Shekhar Sharma
- Thermofluidics Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab 140 001, India.
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10
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Kalita K, Zeng B, You JB, Li Y, Moyo A, Xu BB, Zhang X. Spontaneous Rise of Hydrogen Microbubbles in Interfacial Gas Evolution Reaction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2400849. [PMID: 38644168 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Liquid organic hydrogen carrier is a promising option for the transport and storage of hydrogen as a clean energy source. This study examines the stability and behavior of organic drops immobilized on a substrate during an interfacial hydrogen-evolution reaction (HER) at the drop surface and its surrounding aqueous solution. Hydrogen microbubbles form within the drop and rise to the drop apex. The growth rate of the hydrogen in-drop bubble increases with the concentration of the reactant in the surrounding medium. The drop remains stable till the buoyancy acting on the in-drop bubble is large enough to overcome the capillary force and the external viscous drag. The bubble spontaneously rises and carries a portion drop liquid to the solution surface. These spontaneous rising in-drop bubbles are detected in measurements using a high-precision sensor placed on the upper surface of the aqueous solution, reversing the settling phase from phase separation in the reactive emulsion. The finding from this work provides new insights into the behaviors of drops and bubbles in many interfacial gas evolution reactions in clean technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkana Kalita
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Binglin Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 1H9, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jae Bem You
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Anotidaishe Moyo
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Ben Bin Xu
- Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Xuehua Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 1H9, Canada
- Physics of Fluids Group and Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
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11
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Jung Y, Yoon SJ, Lee Y, Do T, Kim KT, Jung KW, Choi JW. Grapefruit-Inspired Polymeric Capsule with Hierarchical Microstructure: Advanced Nanomaterial Carrier Platform for Energy Storage, Drug Delivery, Catalysis, and Environmental Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2400828. [PMID: 38693068 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Efficient support materials are crucial for maximizing the efficacy of nanomaterials in various applications such as energy storage, drug delivery, catalysis, and environmental remediation. However, traditional supports often hinder nanomaterial performance due to their high weight ratio and limited manageability, leading to issues like tube blocking and secondary pollution. To address this, a novel grapefruit-inspired polymeric capsule (GPC) as a promising carrier platform is introduced. The millimeter-scale GPC features a hydrophilic shell and an internal hierarchical microstructure with 80% void volume, providing ample space for encapsulating diverse nanomaterials including metals, polymers, metal-organic frameworks, and silica. Through liquid-phase bottom-up methods, it is successfully loaded Fe2O3, SiO2, polyacrylic acid, and Prussian blue nanomaterials onto the GPC, achieving high mass ratio (1776, 488, 898, and 634 wt.%, respectively). The GPC shell prevents nanomaterial leakage and the influx of suspended solids, while its internal framework enhances structural stability and mass transfer rates. With long-term storage stability, high carrying capacity, and versatile applicability, the GPC significantly enhances the field applicability of nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngkyun Jung
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jin Yoon
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Lee
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Taegu Do
- Construction Materials Center, Korea Testing and Research Institute (KTR), Gyeonggi-do, 13810, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Tae Kim
- The College of Information Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Won Jung
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Choi
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Energy & Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
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12
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Han X, Tan S, Wang Q, Zuo X, Heng L, Jiang L. Noncontact Microfluidics of Highly Viscous Liquids for Accurate Self-Splitting and Pipetting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2402779. [PMID: 38594015 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Accurate dosing for various liquids, especially for highly viscous liquids, is fundamental in wide-ranging from molecular crosslinking to material processing. Despite droppers or pipettes being widely used as pipetting devices, they are powerless for quantificationally splitting and dosing highly viscous liquids (>100 mPa s) like polymer liquids due to the intertwined macromolecular chains and strong cohesion energy. Here, a highly transparent photopyroelectric slippery (PS) platform is provided to achieve noncontact self-splitting for liquids with viscosity as high as 15 000 mPa s, just with the assistance of sunlight and a cooling source to provide a local temperature difference (ΔT). Moreover, to guarantee the accuracy for pipetting liquids (>80%), the ultrathin MXene film (within a thickness of 20 nm) is self-assembled as the photo-thermal layers, overcoming the trade-off between transparency and photothermal property. Compared with traditional pipetting strategies (≈1.3% accuracy for pipetting polymer liquids), this accurate microfluidic chip shows great potential in adhesive systems (bonding strength, twice than using the droppers or pipettes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Shengda Tan
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaobiao Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Functional Carbon Composite, Aerospace Research Institute of Materials and Processing Technology, Beijing, 100076, China
| | - Liping Heng
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
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13
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Chen KT, Wu YP, Huang YF, Hsu CC, Shieh J. Repulsion, Acceleration, and Coalescence between Water Droplets on Superhydrophobic Glass by Triboelectrification. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:13219-13226. [PMID: 38865155 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Manipulating the motion of water droplets on surfaces, which is crucial for various applications, such as microfluidics and heat transfer, presents considerable challenges, primarily due to the significant influence of capillary forces. This effect becomes more pronounced when droplets are in close proximity, often resulting in undesired coalescence. Triboelectrification, which involves charging pure water droplets, is a promising approach to enhance the ability to manipulate water droplets. For effective triboelectrification, charges must accumulate within the droplets; this ensures efficient and sustained droplet manipulation while minimizing dissipation. Low-friction, superhydrophobic, insulating surfaces are ideal for this purpose. However, few studies have explored the application of insulating superhydrophobic surfaces to manipulate droplet motion. In this study, we investigated the behavior of water droplets on insulating superhydrophobic quartz surfaces after triboelectrification. The droplets acquired significant charge when dripped onto a superhydrophobic glass surface. Consequently, these charged droplets exhibited behaviors such as repulsion and acceleration from one another, uphill movement, and rapid long-distance transport to specific positions. These advancements in droplet manipulation techniques hold promise for diverse fields such as microfluidics and heat exchangers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Ting Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
| | - Yu Ping Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
| | - Yu Fang Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
| | - Chin Chi Hsu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
| | - Jiann Shieh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
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14
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Yang L, Li W, Lian J, Zhu H, Deng Q, Zhang Y, Li J, Yin X, Wang L. Selective directional liquid transport on shoot surfaces of Crassula muscosa. Science 2024; 384:1344-1349. [PMID: 38900891 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk4180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Directional liquid transport has been widely observed in various species including cacti, spiders, lizards, the pitcher plant Nepenthes alata, and Araucaria leaves. However, in all these examples the liquid transport for a specific liquid is completely restricted in a fixed direction. We demonstrate that Crassula muscosa shoot surfaces have the ability to transport a specific liquid unidirectionally in either direction. This is accomplished through the presence of asymmetric reentrant leaves with varying reentrant angles, which yields the variation in liquid meniscus heterogeneity. These findings enable engineered biomimetic structures capable of selective directional liquid transport, with functions such as intelligent flow direction switching, liquid distribution, and mixing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jiaoyuan Lian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Hengjia Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Qiyu Deng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, P. R. China
| | - Xiaobo Yin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Physics, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Liqiu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
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15
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Yong J, Li X, Hu Y, Wang Y, Peng Y, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Zhu S, Wang C, Wu D. Portable Triboelectric Electrostatic Tweezer for External Manipulation of Droplets within a Closed Femtosecond Laser-Treated Superhydrophobic System. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:7116-7124. [PMID: 38832663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Controllable droplet manipulation has diverse applications; however, limited methods exist for externally manipulating droplets in confined spaces. Herein, we propose a portable triboelectric electrostatic tweezer (TET) by integrating electrostatic forces with a superhydrophobic surface that can even manipulate droplets in an enclosed space. Electrostatic induction causes the droplet to be subjected to an electrostatic force in an electrostatic field so that the droplet can be moved freely with the TET on a superhydrophobic platform. Characterized by its high precision, flexibility, and robust binding strength, TET can manipulate droplets under various conditions and achieve a wide range of representative fluid applications such as droplet microreactors, precise self-cleaning, cargo transportation, the targeted delivery of chemicals, liquid sorting, soft droplet robotics, and cell labeling. Specifically, TET demonstrated the ability to manipulate internal droplets from the outside of a closed system, such as performing cell labeling experiments within a sealed Petri dish without opening the culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Yong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinlei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Youdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yubin Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenrui Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yachao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Suwan Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaowei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, People's Republic of China
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16
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Tang Z, Yang D, Guo H, Lin S, Wang ZL. Spontaneous Wetting Induced by Contact-Electrification at Liquid-Solid Interface. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400451. [PMID: 38529563 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Wettability significantly influences various surface interactions and applications at the liquid-solid interface. However, the understanding is complicated by the intricate charge exchange occurring through contact electrification (CE) during this process. The understanding of the influence of triboelectric charge on wettability remains challenging, especially due to the complexities involved in concurrently measuring contact angles and interfacial electrical signals. Here, the relationship is investigated between surface charge density and change of contact angle of dielectric films after contact with water droplets. It is observed that the charge exchange when water spared lead to a spontaneous wetting phenomenon, which is termed as the contact electrification induced wetting (CEW). Notably, these results demonstrate a linear dependence between the change of contact angle (CA) of the materials and the density of surface charge on the solid surface. Continuous CEW tests show that not only the static CA but also the dynamics of wetting are influenced by the accumulation charges at the interface. The mechanism behind CEW involves the redistribution of surface charges on a solid surface and polar water molecules within liquid. This interaction results in a decrease in interface energy, leading to a reduction in the CA. Ab initio calculations suggest that the reduction in interface energy may stem from the enhanced surface charge on the substrate, which strengthens the hydrogen bond interaction between water and the substrate. These findings have the potential to advance the understanding of CE and wetting phenomena, with applications in energy harvesting, catalysis, and droplet manipulation at liquid-solid interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Tang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Dan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Hengyu Guo
- Department of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shiquan Lin
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Lin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia, Atlanta, 30332-0245, USA
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17
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Tan J, Fan Z, Zhou M, Liu T, Sun S, Chen G, Song Y, Wang Z, Jiang D. Orbital Electrowetting-on-Dielectric for Droplet Manipulation on Superhydrophobic Surfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314346. [PMID: 38582970 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD), recognized as the most successful electrical droplet actuation method, is essential in diverse applications, ranging from thermal management to microfluidics and water harvesting. Despite significant advances, it remains challenging to achieve repeatability, high speed, and simple circuitry in EWOD-based droplet manipulation on superhydrophobic surfaces. Moreover, its efficient operation typically requires electrode arrays and sophisticated circuit control. Here, a newly observed droplet manipulation phenomenon on superhydrophobic surfaces with orbital EWOD (OEW) is reported. Due to the asymmetric electrowetting force generated on the orbit, flexible and versatile droplet manipulation is facilitated with OEW. It is demonstrated that OEW droplet manipulation on superhydrophobic surfaces exhibits higher speed (up to 5 times faster), enhanced functionality (antigravity), and manipulation of diverse liquids (acid, base, salt, organic, e.g., methyl blue, artificial blood) without contamination, and good durability after 1000 tests. It is envisioned that this robust droplet manipulation strategy using OEW will provide a valuable platform for various processes involving droplets, spanning from microfluidic devices to controllable chemical reactions. The previously unreported droplet manipulation phenomenon and control strategy shown here can potentially upgrade EWOD-based microfluidics, antifogging, anti-icing, dust removal, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tan
- Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, 110042, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Zeng Fan
- School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Mingfei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Tong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Shulan Sun
- Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, 110042, P. R. China
| | - Guijun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Yongchen Song
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Zuankai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Dongyue Jiang
- Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, 110042, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
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18
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Jiang Y, Ye D, Li A, Zhang B, Han W, Niu X, Zeng M, Guo L, Zhang G, Yin Z, Huang Y. Transient charge-driven 3D conformal printing via pulsed-plasma impingement. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402135121. [PMID: 38771869 PMCID: PMC11145272 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402135121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Seamless integration of microstructures and circuits on three-dimensional (3D) complex surfaces is of significance and is catalyzing the emergence of many innovative 3D curvy electronic devices. However, patterning fine features on arbitrary 3D targets remains challenging. Here, we propose a facile charge-driven electrohydrodynamic 3D microprinting technique that allows micron- and even submicron-scale patterning of functional inks on a couple of 3D-shaped dielectrics via an atmospheric-pressure cold plasma jet. Relying on the transient charging of exposed sites arising from the weakly ionized gas jet, the specified charge is programmably deposited onto the surface as a virtual electrode with spatial and time spans of ~mm in diameter and ~μs in duration to generate a localized electric field accordantly. Therefore, inks with a wide range of viscosities can be directly drawn out from micro-orifices and deposited on both two-dimensional (2D) planar and 3D curved surfaces with a curvature radius down to ~1 mm and even on the inner wall of narrow cavities via localized electrostatic attraction, exhibiting a printing resolution of ~450 nm. In addition, several conformal electronic devices were successfully printed on 3D dielectric objects. Self-aligned 3D microprinting, with stacking layers up to 1400, is also achieved due to the electrified surfaces. This microplasma-induced printing technique exhibits great advantages such as ultrahigh resolution, excellent compatibility of inks and substrates, antigravity droplet dispersion, and omnidirectional printing on 3D freeform surfaces. It could provide a promising solution for intimately fabricating electronic devices on arbitrary 3D surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Aokang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuechen Niu
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingtao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianbo Guo
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhouping Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
| | - YongAn Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Equipment and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
- Flexible Electronics Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430074, People's Republic of China
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19
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Xie T, He Z, Zhang D, Zhou R. Directional Pumpless Transport of Biomolecules through Self-Propelled Nanodroplets on Patterned Heterostructures. J Phys Chem B 2024. [PMID: 38709975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The surface patterning in natural systems has exhibited appreciable functional advantages for life activities, which serve as inspiration for the design of artificial counterparts to achieve functions such as directional liquid transport at the nanoscale. Here, we propose a patterned two-dimensional (2D) in-plane heterostructure with a triangle-shaped hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) track embedded in graphene nanosheets, which can achieve unidirectional and self-propelled transport of nanodroplets carrying various biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and peptides. Our extensive MD simulations show that the wettability gradient on the patterned heterostructure can drive the motion of nanodroplet with an instantaneous acceleration, which also permits long-distance transport (>100 nm) at the microsecond time scale. The different behaviors of various types of biomolecules have been further studied systematically within the transporting nanodroplets. These findings suggest that these specially designed, patterned heterostructures have the potential for spontaneous, directional transport of important biomolecules, which might be useful in biosensing, drug delivery, and biomedical nanodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Xie
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zhi He
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Quantitative Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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20
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Tang Z, Luan K, Xu B, Liu H. Unidirectional transport of both wettable and nonwettable liquids on an asymmetrically concave structured surface. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:557-562. [PMID: 38933204 PMCID: PMC11197573 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unidirectional liquid transport (UDLT) has been widely used in various fields as an important process for transferring both mass and energy. However, UDLT driven by a structural gradient has been witnessed for a long time only in wettable liquids. For nonwettable liquids, UDLT can hardly proceed merely by a structural gradient. Herein, we propose an asymmetrically concave structured surface (AMC-surface), featuring tip-to-base periodically arranged pyramid-shaped concave structures with a certain degree of overlap, which enables the UDLT of both wettable and nonwettable liquids. For wettable liquids, the capillary force along each corner leads to the UDLT pointing toward the base side of the concave pyramid, while for nonwettable liquids, the UDLT is attributable to the static liquid pressure overwhelming the repulsive Laplace pressure induced by the asymmetric grooves and overlapping part. As a result, both wettable and nonwettable liquids transport spontaneously and unidirectionally on the AMC-surface with no energy input. Moreover, the concave structure endows good mechanical stability and can be easily prepared using a facile nail-punching approach over a large area. We also demonstrated its application in a continuous chemical reaction in a confined area. We envision that the unique UDLT behavior on the as-developed AMC-surface will shed new light on the programmable manipulation of various liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxue Tang
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Kang Luan
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bojie Xu
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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21
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Han X, Jin R, Sun Y, Han K, Che P, Wang X, Guo P, Tan S, Sun X, Dai H, Dong Z, Heng L, Jiang L. Infinite Self-Propulsion of Circularly On/Discharged Droplets. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311729. [PMID: 38282097 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Self-propulsion of droplets in a controlled and long path at a high-speed is crucial for organic synthesis, pathological diagnosis and programable lab-on-a-chip. To date, extensive efforts have been made to achieve droplet self-propulsion by asymmetric gradient, yet, existing structural, chemical, or charge density gradients can only last for a while (<50 mm). Here, this work designs a symmetrical waved alternating potential (WAP) on a superhydrophobic surface to charge or discharge the droplets during the transport process. By deeply studying the motion mechanisms for neutral droplets and charged droplets, the circularly on/discharged droplets achieve the infinite self-propulsion (>1000 mm) with an ultrahigh velocity of meters per second. In addition, after permutation and combination of two motion styles of the droplets, it can be competent for more interesting work, such as liquid diode and liquid logic gate. Being assembled into a microfluidic chip, the strategy would be applied in chemical synthesis, cell culture, and diagnostic kits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Rongyu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Keyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Pengda Che
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Pu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Shengda Tan
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Haoyu Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhichao Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Liping Heng
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 102206, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
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22
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Tan L, Zeng Q, Xu F, Zhao Q, Chen A, Wang T, Tao X, Yang Y, Wang X. Controllable Manipulation of Large-Volume Droplet on Non-Slippery Surfaces Based on Triboelectric Contactless Charge Injection. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313878. [PMID: 38364828 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Controllable droplet manipulation is crucial in diverse scientific and engineering fields. Traditional electric-based methods usually rely on commercial high-voltage (HV) power sources, which are typically bulky, expensive, and potentially hazardous. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a highly studied device that can generate HV output with limited current, showing great potential in droplet manipulation applications. However, current TENG-based approaches usually utilize traditional free-standing TENGs that produce short-pulsed alternating-current signals. This limitation hinders continuous electrostatic forces necessary for precise droplet control, leading to complex circuitry and suboptimal droplet motion control in terms of volume, distance, direction, and momentum. Here, a triboelectric contactless charge injection (TCCI) method employing a novel dual-functional triboelectric nanogenerator (DF-TENG), is proposed. The DF-TENG can produce both high voltage and constant current during unidirectional motion, enabling continuous corona discharges for contactless charge injection into the droplets. Using this method, a large-volume droplet (3000 µL) can be controlled with momentum up to 115.2 g mm s-1, quintupling the highest value recorded by the traditional methods. Moreover, the TCCI method is adaptable for a variety of non-slippery substrates and droplets of different compositions and viscosities, which makes it an ideal manipulation strategy for droplet transport, chemical reactions, and even driving solids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Tan
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Qixuan Zeng
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Fan Xu
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Ai Chen
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Xingming Tao
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Yang
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Applied Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
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Li X, Wang C, Hu Y, Cheng Z, Xu T, Chen Z, Yong J, Wu D. Multifunctional Electrostatic Droplet Manipulation on the Femtosecond Laser-Prepared Slippery Surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:18154-18163. [PMID: 38547460 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
A strategy to manipulate droplets on the lubricated slippery surfaces using tribostatic electricity is proposed. By employing femtosecond laser-induced porous microstructures, we prepared a slippery surface with ultralow adhesion to various liquids. Electrostatic induction causes the charges within the droplet to be redistributed; thus, the droplet on the as-prepared slippery surfaces can be guided by electrostatic force under the electrostatic field, with controllable sliding direction and unlimited transport distance. The combination of electrostatic interaction and slippery surfaces allows us to manipulate droplets with a wide volume range (from 100 nL to 0.5 mL), charged droplets (including electrostatic attraction and repulsion), corrosive droplets, and even organic droplets with ultralow surface tension. In addition, droplets on tilted surfaces, curved surfaces, and inverted slippery surfaces can also be manipulated. Especially, the slippery surfaces can even allow the electrostatic interaction to manipulate alcohol with surface tension as low as 22.3 mN/m and liquid droplets suspended on a downward surface, which is not possible with reported superhydrophobic substrates. The features of slippery surfaces make the electrostatic manipulation successfully applied in versatile droplet manipulation, droplet patterning, chemical microreaction, transport of solid cargo, targeted delivery of chemicals, and liquid sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Chaowei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Youdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Zilong Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Tianyu Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Zhenrui Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Jiale Yong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
| | - Dong Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, P. R. China
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24
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Gu H, Meng K, Yuan R, Xiao S, Shan Y, Zhu R, Deng Y, Luo X, Li R, Liu L, Chen X, Shi Y, Wang X, Duan C, Wang H. Rewritable printing of ionic liquid nanofilm utilizing focused ion beam induced film wetting. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2949. [PMID: 38580645 PMCID: PMC10997651 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Manipulating liquid flow over open solid substrate at nanoscale is important for printing, sensing, and energy devices. The predominant methods of liquid maneuvering usually involve complicated surface fabrications, while recent attempts employing external stimuli face difficulties in attaining nanoscale flow control. Here we report a largely unexplored ion beam induced film wetting (IBFW) technology for open surface nanofluidics. Local electrostatic forces, which are generated by the unique charging effect of Helium focused ion beam (HFIB), induce precursor film of ionic liquid and the disjoining pressure propels and stabilizes the nanofilm with desired patterns. The IBFW technique eliminates the complicated surface fabrication procedures to achieve nanoscale flow in a controllable and rewritable manner. By combining with electrochemical deposition, various solid materials with desired patterns can be produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohao Gu
- Laboratory of Heat and Mass Transport at Micro-Nano Scale, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Kaixin Meng
- Laboratory of Heat and Mass Transport at Micro-Nano Scale, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Ruowei Yuan
- Laboratory of Heat and Mass Transport at Micro-Nano Scale, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Siyang Xiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Yuying Shan
- Laboratory of Heat and Mass Transport at Micro-Nano Scale, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Electron Microscopy Lab, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Yajun Deng
- Future Technology School, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, PR China
| | - Xiaojin Luo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Ruijie Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Lei Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Xu Chen
- Research Center of Engineering Thermophysics, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Yuping Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Research Center of Engineering Thermophysics, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Chuanhua Duan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Laboratory of Heat and Mass Transport at Micro-Nano Scale, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, PR China.
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25
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Wang X, Zhuang Z, Li X, Yao X. Droplet Manipulation on Bioinspired Slippery Surfaces: From Design Principle to Biomedical Applications. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300253. [PMID: 37246251 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Droplet manipulation with high efficiency, high flexibility, and programmability, is essential for various applications in biomedical sciences and engineering. Bioinspired liquid-infused slippery surfaces (LIS), with exceptional interfacial properties, have led to expanding research for droplet manipulation. In this review, an overview of actuation principles is presented to illustrate how materials or systems can be designed for droplet manipulation on LIS. Recent progress on new manipulation methods on LIS is also summarized and their prospective applications in anti-biofouling and pathogen control, biosensing, and the development of digital microfluidics are presented. Finally, an outlook is made on the key challenges and opportunities for droplet manipulation on LIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Zhicheng Zhuang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Xi Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518075, P. R. China
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26
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Tang Z, Xu B, Man X, Liu H. Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Fibrous Materials. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300270. [PMID: 37312429 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural fibers with robust water repellency play an important role in adapting organisms to various environments, which has inspired the development of artificial superhydrophobic fibrous materials with applications in self-cleaning, antifogging, water harvesting, heat exchanging, catalytic reactions, and microrobots. However, these highly textured surfaces (micro/nanotextured) suffer from frequent liquid penetration in high humidity and abrasion-induced destruction of the local environment. Herein, bioinspired superhydrophobic fibrous materials are reviewed from the perspective of the dimension scale of fibers. First, the fibrous dimension characteristics of several representative natural superhydrophobic fibrous systems are summarized, along with the mechanisms involved. Then, artificial superhydrophobic fibers are summarized, along with their various applications. Nanometer-scale fibers enable superhydrophobicity by minimizing the liquid-solid contact area. Micrometer-scale fibers are advantageous for enhancing the mechanical stability of superhydrophobicity. Micrometer-scale conical fibrous structures endow a Laplace force with a particular magnitude for self-removing condensed tiny dewdrops in highly humid air and stably trapping large air pockets underwater. Furthermore, several representative surface modification strategies for constructing superhydrophobic fibers are presented. In addition, several conventional applications of superhydrophobic systems are presented. It is anticipated that the review will inspire the design and fabrication of superhydrophobic fibrous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxue Tang
- School of Physics, Beihang University, No. 37, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Bojie Xu
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, No. 37, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Xingkun Man
- School of Physics, Beihang University, No. 37, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
| | - Huan Liu
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, No. 37, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, P. R. China
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27
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Tan S, Han X, Sun Y, Guo P, Sun X, Chai Z, Jiang L, Heng L. Light-Induced Dynamic Manipulation of Liquid Metal Droplets in the Ambient Atmosphere. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8484-8495. [PMID: 38445597 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic manipulation of liquid metal (LM) droplets, a material combining metallicity and fluidity, has recently revealed tremendous potential in developing unconstrained microrobots. LM manipulating techniques based on magnetic fields, electric fields, chemical reactions, and ion concentration gradients in liquid environments have advanced considerably, but dynamic manipulation in air remains a challenge. Herein, a photoresponsive pyroelectric superhydrophobic (PPS) platform is proposed for noncontact, flexible, and controllable manipulation in the ambient atmosphere. The PPS can generate additional free charges when illuminated by light, thus generating the driving force to manipulate liquid metal droplets. By using the synergistic effect of dielectrophoretic and electrostatic forces generated under light navigation, liquid metal droplets can achieve a series of complex motion behaviors, such as climbing slopes, going over steps, avoiding obstacles, crossing mazes, etc. We further extend the light control of liquid metal droplets to robots applied in electronic circuits, including circuit switching robots and circuit welding robots. This light strategy for manipulating liquid metal droplets provides insights into the development of intelligent, responsive interfaces and simultaneously provides possibilities for the application of liquid metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengda Tan
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao Han
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yue Sun
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Pu Guo
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xu Sun
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ziyuan Chai
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liping Heng
- School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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28
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Wang X, Li X, Pu A, Shun HB, Chen C, Ai L, Tan Z, Zhang J, Liu K, Gao J, Ban K, Yao X. On-chip droplet analysis and cell spheroid screening by capillary wrapping enabled shape-adaptive ferrofluid transporters. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1782-1793. [PMID: 38358122 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00906h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive droplet manipulation with no physical damage to the sample is important for the practical value of manipulation tools in multidisciplinary applications from biochemical analysis and diagnostics to cell engineering. It is a challenge to achieve this for most existing photothermal, electric stimuli, and magnetic field-based technologies. Herein, we present a droplet handling toolbox, the ferrofluid transporter, for non-invasive droplet manipulation in an oil environment. It involves the transport of droplets with high robustness and efficiency owing to low interfacial friction. This capability caters to various scenarios including droplets with varying components and solid cargo. Moreover, we fabricated a droplet array by transporter positioning and achieved droplet gating and sorting for complex manipulation in the droplet array. Benefiting from the ease of scale-up and high biocompatibility, the transporter-based droplet array can serve as a digital microfluidic platform for on-chip droplet-based bioanalysis, cell spheroid culture, and downstream drug screening tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Aoyang Pu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Ho Bak Shun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Cien Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Liqing Ai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Zhaoling Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Jilin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Gao
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, Shandong Province, P. R. China.
| | - Kiwon Ban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Xi Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518075, P. R. China
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29
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Gao C, Zhang C, Liu S, Yu C, Jiang L, Dong Z. Pontederia crassipes inspired bottom overflow for fast and stable drainage. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2232-2242. [PMID: 37909256 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01013a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Fast and stable water drainage is essential for living organisms, drainage plane construction, and protection of infrastructure from damage during rainfall. Unlike traditional anti-overflow drainage methods that rely on hydrophobic or sharped edges, this study demonstrates a bottom overflow-induced drainage model inspired by the water path employed by Pontederia crassipes leaves, leading to fast and stable drainage. A superhydrophilic bottom surface guides water to overflow and pin at the bottom of a thin sheet, resulting in dripping at a higher frequency and reduced water retention. This bottom drainage idea assists large-scale thin sheets to function as efficient and stable drainage surfaces in simulated rain environments. The flexible thin sheet can also be feasibly attached to dusty substrates to effectively remove dusty rainwater with slight dust residue. The bioinspired approach presented herein suggests a promising potential for efficient water drainage on outdoor functional photovoltaic surfaces, such as solar panels and radomes, thus ensuring effective energy conversion and stable signal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chengqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Shijie Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cunlong Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhichao Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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30
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Galembeck F, Santos LP, Burgo TAL, Galembeck A. The emerging chemistry of self-electrified water interfaces. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:2578-2602. [PMID: 38305696 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00763d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Water is known for dissipating electrostatic charges, but it is also a universal agent of matter electrification, creating charged domains in any material contacting or containing it. This new role of water was discovered during the current century. It is proven in a fast-growing number of publications reporting direct experimental measurements of excess charge and electric potential. It is indirectly verified by its success in explaining surprising phenomena in chemical synthesis, electric power generation, metastability, and phase transition kinetics. Additionally, electrification by water is opening the way for developing green technologies that are fully compatible with the environment and have great potential to contribute to sustainability. Electrification by water shows that polyphasic matter is a charge mosaic, converging with the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars effect, which was discovered one century ago but is still often ignored. Electrified sites in a real system are niches showing various local electrochemical potentials for the charged species. Thus, the electrified mosaics display variable chemical reactivity and mass transfer patterns. Water contributes to interfacial electrification from its singular structural, electric, mixing, adsorption, and absorption properties. A long list of previously unexpected consequences of interfacial electrification includes: "on-water" reactions of chemicals dispersed in water that defy current chemical wisdom; reactions in electrified water microdroplets that do not occur in bulk water, transforming the droplets in microreactors; and lowered surface tension of water, modifying wetting, spreading, adhesion, cohesion, and other properties of matter. Asymmetric capacitors charged by moisture and water are now promising alternative equipment for simultaneously producing electric power and green hydrogen, requiring only ambient thermal energy. Changing surface tension by interfacial electrification also modifies phase-change kinetics, eliminating metastability that is the root of catastrophic electric discharges and destructive explosions. It also changes crystal habits, producing needles and dendrites that shorten battery life. These recent findings derive from a single factor, water's ability to electrify matter, touching on the most relevant aspects of chemistry. They create tremendous scientific opportunities to understand the matter better, and a new chemistry based on electrified interfaces is now emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Galembeck
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Campinas, Institute of Chemistry, 13083-872, Campinas, Brazil.
- Galembetech Consultores e Tecnologia, 13080-661, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Leandra P Santos
- Galembetech Consultores e Tecnologia, 13080-661, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Thiago A L Burgo
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Andre Galembeck
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Federal University of Pernambuco, 50740-560, Recife, Brazil
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31
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Wang W, Vahabi H, Taassob A, Pillai S, Kota AK. On-Demand, Contact-Less and Loss-Less Droplet Manipulation via Contact Electrification. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308101. [PMID: 38233209 PMCID: PMC10933654 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
While there are many droplet manipulation techniques, all of them suffer from at least one of the following drawbacks - complex fabrication or complex equipment or liquid loss. In this work, a simple and portable technique is demonstrated that enables on-demand, contact-less and loss-less manipulation of liquid droplets through a combination of contact electrification and slipperiness. In conjunction with numerical simulations, a quantitative analysis is presented to explain the onset of droplet motion. Utilizing the contact electrification technique, contact-less and loss-less manipulation of polar and non-polar liquid droplets on different surface chemistries and geometries is demonstrated. It is envisioned that the technique can pave the way to simple, inexpensive, and portable lab on a chip and point of care devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
- Department of MechanicalAerospace and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Tennessee KnoxvilleKnoxvilleTN37996USA
| | - Hamed Vahabi
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80525USA
| | - Arsalan Taassob
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
| | - Sreekiran Pillai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
| | - Arun Kumar Kota
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNC27695USA
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80525USA
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32
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Zhang L, Reddy DO, Salomons TT, Oleschuk RD. Micro "Hyper-Channels" on Laser-Refined Cellulose Structures. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301164. [PMID: 38009774 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Controlled liquid transportation is widely applied in both academia and industry. However, liquid transport applications are limited by parameters such as driving forces, precision, and velocity. Herein, a simple laser-refining technology is presented to produce micro "hyper-channels". A cellulose substrate is rendered hydrophobic through silanization and refined with a laser to produce both hierarchical nanostructures and a wettability contrast simultaneously. Such a method enables faster ("hyper"-channel) aqueous liquid transportation (≈25X, 50 mm s-1 ) compared to conventional methods. Complex patterns can be readily produced at different scales with spatial resolution as low as 50 µm. This technique also controls the refining depth on the thin paper substrate. Shallow channels can be fabricated on thin paper substrates that enable fluidic channel-crossover without liquid mixing. With certain parameters, the technique creates "portals" through the substrate, allowing trans-dimensional liquid transportation between two layers of a single sheet of substrate. The fluid throughput can be increased, while also permitting fluidic channel crossover without liquid mixing. By introducing multiple portals, the controlled fluid can transfer trans-dimensionally several times, enabling further fluidic complexity. The real-life utility of the method is demonstrated by creating a trans-dimensional microfluidic device for colorimetric detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishen Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Daniel O Reddy
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Timothy T Salomons
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Richard D Oleschuk
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
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33
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Zhong X, Xie S, Guo Z. The Challenge of Superhydrophobicity: Environmentally Facilitated Cassie-Wenzel Transitions and Structural Design. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305961. [PMID: 38145324 PMCID: PMC10933658 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Superhydrophobic materials can be used in various fields to optimize production and life due to their unique surface wetting properties. However, under certain pressure and perturbation conditions, the droplets deposited on superhydrophobic materials are prone to change from Cassie state to Wenzel state, which limits the practical applications of the materials. In recent years, a large number of works have investigated the transition behavior, transition mechanism, and influencing factors of the wetting transition that occurs when a superhydrophobic surface is under a series of external environments. Based on these works, in this paper, the phenomenon and kinetic behavior of the destruction of the Cassie state and the mechanism of the wetting transition are systematically summarized under external conditions that promote the wetting transition on the material surface, including pressure, impact, evaporation, vibration, and electric wetting. In addition, superhydrophobic surface morphology has been shown to directly affect the duration of the Cassie state. Based on the published work the effects of specific morphology on the Cassie state, including structural size, structural shape, and structural level, are summarized in this paper from theoretical analyses and experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional MaterialsHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
| | - Shangzhen Xie
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional MaterialsHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
| | - Zhiguang Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional MaterialsHubei UniversityWuhan430062China
- State Key Laboratory of Solid LubricationLanzhou Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesLanzhou730000China
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34
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Zhang L, Wang P. Accelerated water harvesting from vapor via a bio-inspired hydrogel pattern. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae067. [PMID: 38444753 PMCID: PMC10914363 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lianbin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Key Laboratory of Materials Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, China
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Reuvekamp H, Hekman E, van der Heide E, Matthews D. Strategies in surface engineering for the regulation of microclimates in skin-medical product interactions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25395. [PMID: 38370189 PMCID: PMC10869805 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing number of personal healthcare devices that are in prolonged contact with the skin. The functionality of these products is linked to the interface formed by the contact between the medical apparatus and the skin. The interface can be characterised by its topology, compliance, and moisture and thermal regulating capabilities. Many devices are, however, described to have suboptimal and occlusive contacts, resulting in physiological unfavourable microclimates at the interface. The resulting poor management of moisture and temperature can impact the functionality and utility of the device and, in severe cases, lead to physical harm to the user. Being able to control the microclimate is therefore expected to limit medical-device related injuries and prevent associated skin complications. Surface engineering can modify and potentially enhance the regulation of the microclimate factors surrounding the interface between a product's surface and the skin. This review provides an overview of potential engineering solutions considering the needs for, and influences on, regulation of temperature and moisture by considering the skin-medical device interface as a system. These findings serve as a platform for the anticipated progress in the role of surface engineering for skin-device microclimate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Reuvekamp
- Laboratory for Surface Technology and Tribology, Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems (MS3), Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Postbox 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - E.E.G. Hekman
- Biomedical Device Design and Production Lab, Department of Biomechanical Engineering (BE), Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Postbox 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - E. van der Heide
- Laboratory for Surface Technology and Tribology, Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems (MS3), Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Postbox 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - D.T.A. Matthews
- Laboratory for Surface Technology and Tribology, Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems (MS3), Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Postbox 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands
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36
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Strutt R, Xiong B, Abegg VF, Dittrich PS. Open microfluidics: droplet microarrays as next generation multiwell plates for high throughput screening. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1064-1075. [PMID: 38356285 PMCID: PMC10898417 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01024d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Multiwell plates are prominent in the biological and chemical sciences; however, they face limitations in terms of throughput and deployment in emerging bioengineering fields. Droplet microarrays, as an open microfluidic technology, organise tiny droplets typically in the order of thousands, on an accessible plate. In this perspective, we summarise current approaches for generating droplets, fluid handling on them, and analysis within droplet microarrays. By enabling unique plate engineering opportunities, demonstrating the necessary experimental procedures required for manipulating and interacting with biological cells, and integrating with label-free analytical techniques, droplet microarrays can be deployed across a more extensive experimental domain than what is currently covered by multiwell plates. Droplet microarrays thus offer a solution to the bottlenecks associated with multiwell plates, particularly in the areas of biological cultivation and high-throughput compound screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Strutt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Bijing Xiong
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Vanessa Fabienne Abegg
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Petra S Dittrich
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Schanzenstrasse 44, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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37
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Huang Y, Wen G, Fan Y, He M, Sun W, Tian X, Huang S. Magnetic-Actuated Jumping of Droplets on Superhydrophobic Grooved Surfaces: A Versatile Strategy for Three-Dimensional Droplet Transportation. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6359-6372. [PMID: 38363638 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
On-demand droplet transportation is of great significance for numerous applications. Although various strategies have been developed for droplet transportation, out-of-surface three-dimensional (3D) transportation of droplets remains challenging. Here, a versatile droplet transportation strategy based on magnetic-actuated jumping (MAJ) of droplets on superhydrophobic grooved surfaces (SHGSs) is presented, which enables 3D, remote, and precise manipulation of droplets even in enclosed narrow spaces. To trigger MAJ, an electromagnetic field is utilized to deform the droplet on the SHGS with the aid of an attached magnetic particle, thereby the droplet acquires excess surface energy. When the electromagnetic field is quickly removed, the excess surface energy is partly converted into kinetic energy, allowing the droplet to jump atop the surface. Through high-speed imaging and numerical simulation, the working mechanism and size matching effect of MAJ are unveiled. It is found that the MAJ behavior can only be observed if the sizes of the droplets and the superhydrophobic grooves are matched, otherwise unwanted entrapment or pinch-off effects would lead to failure of MAJ. A regime diagram which serves as a guideline to design SHGSs for MAJ is proposed. The droplet transportation capacities of MAJ, including in-surface and out-of-surface directional transportation, climbing stairs, and crossing obstacles, are also demonstrated. With the ability to remotely manipulate droplets in enclosed narrow spaces without using any mechanical moving parts, MAJ can be used to design miniaturized fluidic platforms, which exhibit great potential for applications in bioassays, microfluidics, droplet-based switches, and microreactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guifeng Wen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yue Fan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Maomao He
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xuelin Tian
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shilin Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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38
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Cheng G, Kuan CY, Lou KW, Ho YP. Light-Responsive Materials in Droplet Manipulation for Biochemical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2313935. [PMID: 38379512 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Miniaturized droplets, characterized by well-controlled microenvironments and capability for parallel processing, have significantly advanced the studies on enzymatic evolution, molecular diagnostics, and single-cell analysis. However, manipulation of small-sized droplets, including moving, merging, and trapping of the targeted droplets for complex biochemical assays and subsequent analysis, is not trivial and remains technically demanding. Among various techniques, light-driven methods stand out as a promising candidate for droplet manipulation in a facile and flexible manner, given the features of contactless interaction, high spatiotemporal resolution, and biocompatibility. This review therefore compiles an in-depth discussion of the governing mechanisms underpinning light-driven droplet manipulation. Besides, light-responsive materials, representing the core of light-matter interaction and the key character converting light into different forms of energy, are particularly assessed in this review. Recent advancements in light-responsive materials and the most notable applications are comprehensively archived and evaluated. Continuous innovations and rational engineering of light-responsive materials are expected to propel the development of light-driven droplet manipulation, equip droplets with enhanced functionality, and broaden the applications of droplets for biochemical studies and routine biochemical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyao Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Chit Yau Kuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Kuan Wen Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Centre for Novel Biomaterials, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Branch of CAS Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Regeneration Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
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39
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Ji Y, Yang B, Cai F, Song T, Yu H. Steerable mass transport in a photoresponsive system for advanced anticounterfeiting. iScience 2024; 27:108790. [PMID: 38292421 PMCID: PMC10826315 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous anticounterfeiting platforms using photoresponsive materials have been designed to improve information security, enabling applications in anticounterfeiting technology. However, fabricating sophisticated micro/nanostructures using bidirectional mass transport to achieve advanced anticounterfeiting remains challenging. Here, we propose one strategy to achieve steerable mass transport in a photoresponsive system with the assistance of solvent vapor at room temperature. Upon optimizing the host-guest ratio and the width of photoisomerized areas, wettability gradient is acquired just photo-patterning once, then bidirectional mass transport is realized due to the competition of mass transport induced by surface energy gradient of the material itself and flow of the solvent on the film surface with wettability gradient. Taking advantage of the interaction between solvent and film surface with wettability gradient, this bidirectional polymer flow has been successfully applied in multi-mode anticounterfeiting. This work paves a promising avenue toward high-level information storage in soft materials, demonstrating the potential applications in anticounterfeiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Ji
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bowen Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Feng Cai
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tianfu Song
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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40
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Li P, Zhan F, Wang L. Velocity-Switched Droplet Rebound Direction on Anisotropic Superhydrophobic Surfaces. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305568. [PMID: 37752749 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Droplet well-controlled directional motion being an essential function has attracted much interest in academic and industrial applications, such as self-cleaning, micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems, drug delivery, and heat-transferring. Conventional understanding has it that a droplet impacted on an anisotropic surface tends to bounce along the microstructural direction, which is mainly dictated by surface properties rather than initial conditions. In contrast to previous findings, it demonstrates that the direction of a droplet's rebound on an anisotropic surface can be switched by designing the initial impacting velocity. With an increase in impacting height from 2 to 10 cm, the droplet successively shows a backward, vertical, and forward motion on anisotropic surfaces. Theoretical demonstrations establish that the transition of droplet bouncing on the anisotropic surface is related to its dynamic wettability during impacting process. Characterized by the liquid-solid interaction, it is demonstrated that the contact state at small and large impacting heights induces an opposite resultant force in microstructures. Furthermore, energy balance analysis reveals that the energy conversion efficiency of backward motion is almost three times as that of traditional bouncing. This work, including experiments, theoretical models, and energy balance analysis provides insight view in droplet motions on the anisotropic surfaces and opens a new way for the droplet transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiliu Li
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Fei Zhan
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Shijiazhuang Tiedao University, Shijiazhuang, 050043, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Beijing Key Lab of Cryo-biomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
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41
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Zhou Z, Qin H, Cui P, Wang J, Zhang J, Ge Y, Liu H, Feng C, Meng Y, Huang Z, Yang K, Cheng G, Du Z. Enhancing the Output of Liquid-Solid Triboelectric Nanogenerators through Surface Roughness Optimization. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:4763-4771. [PMID: 38165822 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
The advent of liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerators (LS-TENGs) has ushered in a new era for harnessing and using energy derived from water. To date, extensive research has been conducted to enhance the output of LS-TENGs, thereby improving water utilization efficiency and facilitating their practical application. However, in contrast to intricate chemical treatment methods and specialized structures, a straightforward operational process and cost-effective materials are more conducive to the widespread adoption of LS-TENGs in practical applications. This work presents a novel method to enhance the output of LS-TENGs by increasing the liquid-solid contact area. The approach involves creating roughness on the solid surface through sandpaper grinding, which is simple in design and easy to operate and significantly reduces the cost of the experiment. The theory is applied to the solid triboelectric layer commonly used in the LS-TENG, demonstrating its universality and wide applicability to improve the output of the LS-TENG. The practical performance of the device is demonstrated by charging the capacitor and external load and driving the hygrometer and commercial 5 W LED light bulb, which can directly light up 300 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs) driven by a drop of water. This work provides a new method for the optimization of LS-TENGs and contributes to the wide application of LS-TENGs. This is a significant step forward in the field of energy harvesting and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunkang Zhou
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Huaifang Qin
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, P. R. China
| | - Peng Cui
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Ying Ge
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Liu
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Can Feng
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Yao Meng
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Zanying Huang
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yang
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Gang Cheng
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Zuliang Du
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
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42
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Wu J, Fang D, Zhou Y, Gao G, Zeng J, Zeng Y, Zheng H. Multifunctional droplet handling on surface-charge-graphic-decorated porous papers. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:594-603. [PMID: 38175166 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00806a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Developing a fluidic platform that combines high-throughput with reconfigurability is essential for a wide range of cutting-edge applications, but achieving both capabilities simultaneously remains a significant challenge. Herein, we propose a novel and unique method for droplet manipulation via drawing surface charge graphics on electrode-free papers in a contactless way. We find that opposite charge graphics can be written and retained on the surface layer of porous insulating paper by a controlled charge depositing method. The retained charge graphics result in high-resolution patterning of electrostatic potential wells (EPWs) on the hydrophobic porous surface, allowing for digital and high-throughput droplet handling. Since the charge graphics can be written/projected dynamically and simultaneously in large areas, allowing for on-demand and real-time reconfiguration of EPWs, we are able to develop a charge-graphic fluidic platform with both high reconfigurability and high throughput. The advantages and application potential of the platform have been demonstrated in chemical detection and dynamically controllable fluidic networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Wu
- The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Duokui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Transients in Hydraulic Machinery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Transients in Hydraulic Machinery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Key Laboratory of Transients in Hydraulic Machinery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ji Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Transients in Hydraulic Machinery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yubin Zeng
- School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Huai Zheng
- The Institute of Technological Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Transients in Hydraulic Machinery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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43
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Naderer C, Krobath H, Sivun D, Gvindzhiliia G, Klar TA, Jacak J. New buffer systems for photopainting of single biomolecules. RSC APPLIED INTERFACES 2024; 1:110-121. [PMID: 39166527 PMCID: PMC10805099 DOI: 10.1039/d3lf00125c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
We present newly developed buffer systems that significantly improve the efficiency of a photochemically induced surface modification at the single molecule level. Buffers with paramagnetic cations and radical oxygen promoting species facilitate laser-assisted protein adsorption by photobleaching (LAPAP) of single fluorescently labelled oligonucleotides or biotin onto multi-photon-lithography-structured 2D and 3D acrylate scaffolds. Single molecule fluorescence microscopy has been used to quantify photopainting efficiency. We identify specific cation interaction sites for members of the cyanine, coumarin and rhodamine classes of fluorophores using quantum mechanical calculations. We show that our buffer systems provide an up to three-fold LAPAP-efficiency increase for the cyanine fluorophore, while keeping excitation parameters constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Naderer
- School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria Garnisonstraße 21 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Heinrich Krobath
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Altenberger Straße 69 4040 Linz Austria
| | - Dmitry Sivun
- School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria Garnisonstraße 21 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Georgii Gvindzhiliia
- Institute of Applied Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Altenberger Straße 69 4040 Linz Austria
| | - Thomas A Klar
- Institute of Applied Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Altenberger Straße 69 4040 Linz Austria
| | - Jaroslaw Jacak
- School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria Garnisonstraße 21 4020 Linz Austria
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Pan M, Shao H, Fan Y, Yang J, Liu J, Deng Z, Liu Z, Chen Z, Zhang J, Yi K, Su Y, Wang D, Deng X, Deng F. Superhydrophobic Surface-Assisted Preparation of Microspheres and Supraparticles and Their Applications. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:68. [PMID: 38175452 PMCID: PMC10766899 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Superhydrophobic surface (SHS) has been well developed, as SHS renders the property of minimizing the water/solid contact interface. Water droplets deposited onto SHS with contact angles exceeding 150°, allow them to retain spherical shapes, and the low adhesion of SHS facilitates easy droplet collection when tilting the substrate. These characteristics make SHS suitable for a wide range of applications. One particularly promising application is the fabrication of microsphere and supraparticle materials. SHS offers a distinct advantage as a universal platform capable of providing customized services for a variety of microspheres and supraparticles. In this review, an overview of the strategies for fabricating microspheres and supraparticles with the aid of SHS, including cross-linking process, polymer melting, and droplet template evaporation methods, is first presented. Then, the applications of microspheres and supraparticles formed onto SHS are discussed in detail, for example, fabricating photonic devices with controllable structures and tunable structural colors, acting as catalysts with emerging or synergetic properties, being integrated into the biomedical field to construct the devices with different medicinal purposes, being utilized for inducing protein crystallization and detecting trace amounts of analytes. Finally, the perspective on future developments involved with this research field is given, along with some obstacles and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Pan
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Institute for Advanced Study, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518110, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijuan Shao
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Fan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlong Yang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqian Deng
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenda Liu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidi Chen
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Glass Co. Ltd, Zibo, 256100, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangfeng Yi
- Pharmaceutical Glass Co. Ltd, Zibo, 256100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucai Su
- Pharmaceutical Glass Co. Ltd, Zibo, 256100, People's Republic of China
| | - Dehui Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xu Deng
- Shenzhen Institute for Advanced Study, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518110, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fei Deng
- Department of Nephropathy, School of Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital Jinniu Hospital, Chengdu Jinniu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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Zeng B, Yang H, Xu BB, Lohse D, Zhang X. Launching a Drop via Interplay of Buoyancy and Stick-Jump Dissolution. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2303177. [PMID: 37726248 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
According to Archimedes' principle, a submerged object with a density lower than that of aqueous acid solution is more buoyant than a smaller one. In this work, a remarkable phenomenon is reported wherein a dissolving drop on a substrate rises in the water only after it has diminished to a much smaller size, though the buoyancy is smaller. The drop consisting of a polymer solution reacts with the acid in the surrounding, yielding a water-soluble product. During drop dissolution, water-rich microdroplets form within the drop, merging with the external aqueous phase along the drop-substrate boundary. Two key elements determine the drop rise dynamics. The first is the stick-jump behavior during drop dissolution. The second is that buoyancy exerts a strong enough force on the drop at an Archimedean number greater than 1, while the stick-jump behavior is ongoing. The time of the drop rise is controlled by the initial size and the reaction rate of the drop. This novel mechanism for programmable drop rise may be beneficial for many future applications, such as microfluidics, microrobotics, and device engineering where the spontaneous drop detachment may be utilized to trigger a cascade of events in a dense medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binglin Zeng
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Haichang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 1H9, Canada
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Ben Bin Xu
- Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Detlef Lohse
- Physics of Fluids Group, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Xuehua Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 1H9, Canada
- Physics of Fluids Group, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500 AE, The Netherlands
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46
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Wu Z, Sun L, Chen H, Zhao Y. Bioinspired Surfaces Derived from Acoustic Waves for On-Demand Droplet Manipulations. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0263. [PMID: 39290236 PMCID: PMC11407685 DOI: 10.34133/research.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
The controllable manipulation and transfer of droplets are fundamental in a wide range of chemical reactions and even life processes. Herein, we present a novel, universal, and straightforward acoustic approach to fabricating biomimetic surfaces for on-demand droplet manipulations like many natural creatures. Based on the capillary waves induced by surface acoustic waves, various polymer films could be deformed into pre-designed structures, such as parallel grooves and grid-like patterns. These structured and functionalized surfaces exhibit impressive ability in droplet transportation and water collection, respectively. Besides these static surfaces, the tunability of acoustics could also endow polymer surfaces with dynamic controllability for droplet manipulations, including programming wettability, mitigating droplet evaporation, and accelerating chemical reactions. Our approach is capable of achieving universal surface manufacturing and droplet manipulation simultaneously, which simplifies the fabrication process and eliminates the need for additional chemical modifications. Thus, we believe that our acoustic-derived surfaces and technologies could provide a unique perspective for various applications, including microreactor integration, biochemical reaction control, tissue engineering, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhao Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Hanxu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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47
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Zhang J, Pei R, Tan J, Ni Z, Ye S, Luo Y. Visualizing Water Monomers and Chiral OH -(H 2O) Complexes Infiltrated in a Macroscopic Hydrophobic Teflon Matrix. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 38048434 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Insights into the interaction of fluoroalkyl groups with water are crucial to understanding the polar hydrophobicity of fluorinated compounds, such as Teflon. While an ordered hydrophobic-like 2D water layer has been demonstrated to be present on the surface of macroscopically hydrophobic fluorinated polymers, little is known about how the water infiltrates into the Teflon and what is the molecular structure of the water infiltrated into the Teflon. Using highly sensitive femtosecond sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG-VS), we observe for the first time that monomeric H2O and chiral OH-(H2O) complexes are present in macroscopically hydrophobic Teflon. The species are inhomogeneously distributed inside the Teflon matrix and at the Teflon surface. No water clusters or single-file water "wires" are observed in the matrix. SFG free induction decay (SFG-FID) experiments demonstrate that the OH oscillators of physically absorbed molecular water at the surface dephase on the time scale of <230 fs, whereas the water monomers and hydrated hydroxide ions infiltrated in the Teflon matrix dephase much more slowly (680-830 fs), indicating that the embedded monomeric H2O and OH-(H2O) complexes are decoupled from the outer environment. Our findings can well interpret ultrafast water permeation through fluorous nanochannels and the charging mechanism of Teflon, which may tailor the desired applications of organofluorines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Ruoqi Pei
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Junjun Tan
- Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
| | - Zijian Ni
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Shuji Ye
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
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48
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Li X, Ratschow AD, Hardt S, Butt HJ. Surface Charge Deposition by Moving Drops Reduces Contact Angles. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:228201. [PMID: 38101382 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.228201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Slide electrification-the spontaneous charge separation by sliding aqueous drops-can lead to an electrostatic potential in the order of 1 kV and change drop motion substantially. To find out how slide electrification influences the contact angles of moving drops, we analyzed the dynamic contact angles of aqueous drops sliding down tilted plates with insulated surfaces, grounded surfaces, and while grounding the drop. The observed decrease in dynamic contact angles at different salt concentrations is attributed to two effects: An electrocapillary reduction of contact angles caused by drop charging and a change in the free surface energy of the solid due to surface charging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Li
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Aaron D Ratschow
- Institute for Nano- and Microfluidics, TU Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 10, D-64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Steffen Hardt
- Institute for Nano- and Microfluidics, TU Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 10, D-64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Butt
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Hou L, Liu X, Ge X, Hu R, Cui Z, Wang N, Zhao Y. Designing of anisotropic gradient surfaces for directional liquid transport: Fundamentals, construction, and applications. Innovation (N Y) 2023; 4:100508. [PMID: 37753526 PMCID: PMC10518492 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2023.100508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Many biological surfaces are capable of transporting liquids in a directional manner without energy consumption. Inspired by nature, constructing asymmetric gradient surfaces to achieve desired droplet transport, such as a liquid diode, brings an incredibly valuable and promising area of research with a wide range of applications. Enabled by advances in nanotechnology and manufacturing techniques, biomimetics has emerged as a promising avenue for engineering various types of anisotropic material system. Over the past few decades, this approach has yielded significant progress in both fundamental understanding and practical applications. Theoretical studies revealed that the heterogeneous composition and topography mainly govern the wetting mechanisms and dynamics behavior of droplets, including the interdisciplinary aspects of materials, chemistry, and physics. In this review, we provide a concise overview of various biological surfaces that exhibit anisotropic droplet transport. We discussed the theoretical foundations and mechanisms of droplet motion on designed surfaces and reviewed recent research advances in droplet directional transport on designed plane surfaces and Janus membranes. Such liquid-diode materials yield diverse promising applications, involving droplet collection, liquid separation and delivery, functional textiles, and biomedical applications. We also discuss the recent challenges and ongoing approaches to enhance the functionality and application performance of anisotropic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Energy Materials and Devices, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineer, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Energy Materials and Devices, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinran Ge
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Energy Materials and Devices, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rongjun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Energy Materials and Devices, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Zhimin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Energy Materials and Devices, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Nü Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Energy Materials and Devices, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Energy Materials and Devices, School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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50
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Frank B, Antonietti M, Giusto P, Zeininger L. Photocharging of Carbon Nitride Thin Films for Controllable Manipulation of Droplet Force Gradient Sensors. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145. [PMID: 37934048 PMCID: PMC10655103 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Intentional generation, amplification, and discharging of chemical gradients is central to many nano- and micromanipulative technologies. We describe a straightforward strategy to direct chemical gradients inside a solution via local photoelectric surface charging of organic semiconducting thin films. We observed that the irradiation of carbon nitride thin films with ultraviolet light generates local and sustained surface charges in illuminated regions, inducing chemical gradients in adjacent solutions via charge-selective immobilization of surfactants onto the substrate. We studied these gradients using droplet force gradient sensors, complex emulsions with simultaneous and independent responsive modalities to transduce information on transient gradients in temperature, chemistry, and concentration via tilting, morphological reconfiguration, and chemotaxis. Fine control over the interaction between local, photoelectrically patterned, semiconducting carbon nitride thin films and their environment yields a new method to design chemomechanically responsive materials, potentially applicable to micromanipulative technologies including microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, soft robotics, biochemical assays, and the sorting of colloids and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley
D. Frank
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Markus Antonietti
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Paolo Giusto
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lukas Zeininger
- Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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