Continuous and spontaneous directional droplet transport on bioinspired serial-wedge-shaped groove with wettability gradient

• DOI: 10.1063/5.0246563
• Publication Date: 2025-01-13T13:29:38Z
• Authors: Shaoqian Hao; Zhigao Zhao; Zhang Xie; Zheng Li; Junjie Liu; Fengmin Wu; Jianlong Kou
• Keywords: Wedge (geometry); Groove (engineering)

We propose a serial-wedge-shaped groove with wettability gradient to achieve continuous directional transport of droplets. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that this design provides sustained driving force and reduces energy barriers at junctions, facilitating droplet motion. Moreover, higher temperatures greater gradients are shown enhance the efficiency transport. Theoretical analysis further reveals increasing surface hydrophobicity, width ratio, size can reduce barriers, thereby improving performance. These findings expected improve understanding shed light on its manipulation.