Issue 31, 2019

Programmable unidirectional liquid transport on peristome-mimetic surfaces under liquid environments

Abstract

Programmable liquid unidirectional transport is important in fluidic applications, such as microfluidics, oil–water separation, and self-lubrication. Despite commendable progress, previous research mainly focused on the unidirectional transport of liquids in an air environment. In multi-fluid systems, the unidirectional transport of one liquid under another immiscible liquid phase, even though urgently needed, still remains a challenge. To solve this cutting-edge problem, we mimicked the peristome of Nepenthes alata and 3D printed peristome-mimetic surfaces to achieve rapid, long-range and unidirectional liquid transport under another immiscible liquid phase. Significantly, we achieved unidirectional transport in a one-dimensional linear trajectory, a two-dimensional curve, and even in a three-dimensional infinite space. Our strategy offers opportunities for liquid transport and micropatterns in liquid environments for various applications.

Graphical abstract: Programmable unidirectional liquid transport on peristome-mimetic surfaces under liquid environments

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
07 May 2019
Accepted
20 Jun 2019
First published
02 Jul 2019

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019,7, 18244-18248

Programmable unidirectional liquid transport on peristome-mimetic surfaces under liquid environments

S. Zhou, C. Yu, C. Li, Z. Dong and L. Jiang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7, 18244 DOI: 10.1039/C9TA04770K

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