Wide-range single droplet generator using electrostatic manipulation by corona discharge

• DOI: 10.1063/5.0258182
• Publication Date: 2025-04-04T16:12:14Z
• Authors: Qiang Tang; Manfei Liu; Pingfan Wu; Xiaxia Cui; Chengjun Wang; Changguo Xue
• Keywords: Corona (planetary geology); Electrostatics; Electric generator

This study introduces a novel method for generating droplets of varying sizes using corona discharge with needle-plate electrodes. By precisely adjusting the needle tip position and applied electric field, forces acting on can be modulated, enabling production across broad size range. Large form superhydrophobic surface slide down an inclined plane under influence gravity once they reach critical volume. In contrast, small are predominantly influenced by their detachment from syringe governed droplet's charge field's strength. Droplet sizes, ranging 0.08 to 108 μl, controlled tuning parameters such as position, voltage, inclination angle. Furthermore, effective droplet sorting is demonstrated exploiting differences in rolling speed trajectory plane, determined voltage. approach provides versatile precise platform manipulation potential applications microfluidics, material delivery, related fields.