Issue 28, 2023

Bioinspired magnetism-responsive hybrid microstructures with dynamic switching toward liquid droplet rolling states

Abstract

The functionality of tunable liquid droplet adhesion is crucial for many applications such as self-cleaning surfaces and water collectors. However, it is still a challenge to achieve real-time and fast reversible switching between isotropic and anisotropic liquid droplet rolling states. Inspired by the surface topography on lotus leaves and rice leaves, herein we report a biomimetic hybrid surface with gradient magnetism-responsive micropillar/microplate arrays (GMRMA), featuring dynamic fast switching toward different droplet rolling states. The exceptional dynamic switching characteristics of GMRMA are visualized and attributed to the fast asymmetric deformation between the two different biomimetic microstructures under a magnetic field; they endow the rolling droplets with anisotropic interfacial resistance. Based on the exceptional morphology switching surface, we demonstrate the function of classification and screening of liquid droplets, and thus propose a new strategy for liquid mixing and potential microchemical reactions. It is expected that this intelligent GMRMA will be conducive to many engineering applications, such as microfluidic devices and microchemical reactors.

Graphical abstract: Bioinspired magnetism-responsive hybrid microstructures with dynamic switching toward liquid droplet rolling states

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
05 5 2023
Accepted
10 6 2023
First published
12 6 2023

Nanoscale, 2023,15, 11945-11954

Bioinspired magnetism-responsive hybrid microstructures with dynamic switching toward liquid droplet rolling states

Y. Bian, S. Zhu, X. Li, Y. Tao, C. Nian, C. Zhang, Y. Peng, C. Li, W. Xiong, W. Zhu, Y. Hu, J. Li, J. Chu and D. Wu, Nanoscale, 2023, 15, 11945 DOI: 10.1039/D3NR02082G

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