Journal
SMALL METHODS
Volume 2, Issue 6, Pages -Publisher
WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH
DOI: 10.1002/smtd.201800017
Keywords
deformability; evaporation; microfluidics; microstructures; self-assembly of microdroplets
Funding
- Research Grants Council of Hong Kong [GRF17237316, GRF17211115, GRF17207914, GRF HKU717613E]
- University of Hong Kong [URC 201511159108, 201411159074]
- Zhejiang Provincial Government
- Hangzhou Municipal Government
- Lin'an County Government
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Natural systems have exceptional capabilities of constructing structures across multiple length scales for remarkable performances from limited choices of building blocks. However, simultaneous control over structures at both the macroscopic and microscopic length scales is restricted by the high requirements in the type and property of building blocks. Here, directed self-assembly of microdroplets in an evaporating liquid is harnessed to fabricate large-scale ordered films with precisely controlled microstructures. Evaporation-induced variations in liquid confinement allow microdroplets to reassemble for large-scale ordered patterns. Deformation of microdroplets into different shapes accurately defines multiple topographical structures at the microdroplet level. The fabrication process is facile and scalable, and works with various materials for manufacturing functional films with tunable properties. These results suggest a facile yet effective strategy for engineering microstructures by combining directed self-assembly with manipulation of the property of building components for both structural fidelity and diversity.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available