Effective three-dimensional superhydrophobic aerogel-coated channel for high efficiency water-droplet transport

Three-dimensional superhydrophobic surfaces have been used effectively to optimize droplet transport efficiency in diverse fluidic systems. However, the fabrication methods for superhydrophobic surfaces applicable to fluidic devices usually involve complicated process. Herein, we report a simple but...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2014-02, Vol.104 (8)
Main Authors: Kim, Aeree, Kim, Hyungmo, Lee, Chan, Kim, Joonwon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerogels
Applied physics
Coating effects
Droplets
Flow characteristics
Hydrophobic surfaces
Hydrophobicity
Silicon dioxide
System effectiveness
Thin films
Transport
Water drops
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Summary:Three-dimensional superhydrophobic surfaces have been used effectively to optimize droplet transport efficiency in diverse fluidic systems. However, the fabrication methods for superhydrophobic surfaces applicable to fluidic devices usually involve complicated process. Herein, we report a simple but effective method of fabricating a superhydrophobic surface using organically modified silica aerogel. Superhydrophobic aerogel thin film having highly porous micro/nanostructured surface with methyl groups was realized inside a 3D channel by coating it. To demonstrate that the aerogel-coated surface effectively facilitates movement of water droplets, the droplet-based flow characteristics regarding the triple line were conducted.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.4866262