Droplet transportation on photosensitive lubricant-impregnated slippery surfaces in response to the light induced Marangoni effect and asymmetrical wetting ridges

Abstract

Flexible control of droplet transportation is crucial in various applications but is constrained by liquid–solid friction. The development of biomimetic lubricant-impregnated slippery surfaces provides a new solution for flexible manipulation of droplet transportation. Herein, a light strategy is reported for flexibly controlling droplet transportation on photosensitive lubricant-impregnated slippery surfaces. Owing to the localized heating effect of a focused laser beam via photothermal conversion, the resultant thermal Marangoni flow and horizontal component of the surface tension associated with the asymmetric wetting ridges are together responsible for actuating droplet transportation. It is found that the asymmetry of the wetting ridge is dominated by the thickness of the infused oil layer, which directly affects the droplet transportation. The feasibility of this light strategy is also demonstrated by uphill movement, droplet coalescence, and chemical reaction. This study provides a new design for potential applications in open droplet microfluidics, analytical chemistry, diagnosis, etc.