The investigation of de-icing and uni-directional droplet driven on a soft liquid-metal chip controlled through electrical current

摘要

To realize the functions of de-icing and self-propelling of droplet, one soft and superhydrophobic microfluidic chip (SMC) equipped with the liquid metal was successfully fabricated in this work. After modification via nanostructures and lower surface free energy cover, the SMC surface shows self-cleaning performance. The surface not only could realize self-propelling of droplet at room temperature but also uni-directional de-icing even -30 degrees C after melting. The results indicate the driving force is induced by the thermal gradient, which is generated by resistance heating of liquid metal (GaIn24.5). This study is significant for extending the applications of microfluidic chip in low temperature condition. (C) 2019 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.