On-Demand Liquid Transportation Using Bioinspired Omniphobic Lubricated Surfaces Based on Self-Organized Honeycomb and Pincushion Films

In this work, on-demand control of liquids is realized by using elastic, patterned omniphobic surfaces. This paves the way for novel microfluidics, as well as liquid harvesting, transportation, and manipulation technologies. Inspired by the lubricating properties of pitcher plants, microstructured 1,2-polybutadiene honeycomb and pincushion films obtained by self-organization are fluorinated by the ene-thiol reaction and infused with fluorinated lubricant to obtain omniphobic liquid-repellent surfaces. Unlike conventional bioinspired omniphobic surfaces, the liquid repellency of the fabricated surface can be programmed by changing the surface microstructures via patterning of the film. Furthermore, the elasticity of the omniphobic film is suitable for controlling the repellency through external stimuli. The method presented here for the fabrication of lubricant-infused omniphobic microstructured surfaces is also simple, cost-effective, and can be scaled for large area fabrication.