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Electro-Adaptive V-Array Elastomer Track for Programmable Droplet Steering

delete2026-01-28
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PRE
AI
L
Linyang Li
H
Honghao Li
Y
Yan Li
K
Ke Li
Q
Qiuya Zhang
C
Chunyu Zhang
Y
Yuliang Li
L
Lu Li
X
Xiaofang Zhang *
J
Jiangang Qian
L
Lei Jiang
D
Dongliang Tian *
DOI:10.1002/adfm.202531284delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Programmable liquid handling platforms based on droplet steering have significant applications in various fields. Despite great progress in this field, achieving programmable and precise control over liquid droplet sliding trajectories still remains a challenge. Herein, a strategy for programmable droplet steering using an electro-adaptive V-array elastomer track (EAVET) is proposed, which can control the droplet steering behavior, namely, slip state and slip trajectory. By adjusting electric field to alter the V-structure spacing, the water-oil-solid interface can be adjusted correspondingly, and an asymmetric gradient wettability interface is created, thus enabling regulation of the droplet's dynamic motion behavior, including pinned/sliding states and sliding direction. As a result, through the synergistic effect of electric field and V-array track, real-time control over the droplet's lateral slip direction and distance can be achieved, enabling adaptive droplet steering. Finally, micro-reaction detection experiments were conducted to prove that this work provides a solution for programmable fluid manipulation platforms, which can be utilized in devices requiring high operational precision. Thus, this work provides a solution for programmable droplet steering, with potential applications in intelligent interface materials, microfluidic technology, micro-reaction systems, and so on.
Keywords:
droplet steering
electric field
microstructures
programmable platforms
wettability

Journal

Advanced Functional Materials cover
Advanced Functional Materials
IF:
19
Papers:
3.4W
Citations:
32.1W

Organization

B
beihang university
Scholars:
5.2K
Papers: 2.0K
Citations: 21
C
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Scholars:
3.9W
Papers: 1.5W
Citations: 58.4W
U
university of science and technology beijing
Scholars:
1.2W
Papers: 4.3K
Citations: 2
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