Light- and Field-Controlled Diffusion, Ejection, Flow and Collection of Liquid at a Nanoporous Liquid Crystal Membrane

Yuanyuan Zhan, Serena Calierno, Jacques Peixoto, Lars Mitzer, Dirk J. Broer, Danqing Liu (Corresponding author)

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Abstract

Liquid manipulation at solid surfaces has attracted plenty of interest yet most of them are limited to one or two direction(s), while transport in three dimensions is largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate three-dimensionally steered dynamic liquid mobility at nanoporous liquid crystal polymer coatings. To this end, we orchestrate liquid motion via sequential triggers of light and/or electric field. Upon a primary flood exposure to UV light, liquid is ejected globally over the entire coating surfaces. We further reallocate the secreted liquid by applying a secondary electric field stimulus. By doing so, the liquid is transported and collected at pre-set positions as determined by the electrode positions. We further monitor this process in real-time and perform precise analysis. Interestingly, when applying those two triggers simultaneously, we discover a UV-gated liquid release effect, which decreases threshold voltage as well as threshold frequency.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202207468
Number of pages5
JournalAngewandte Chemie
Volume134
Issue number38
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Sept 2022

Keywords

  • Light and Electrical Response
  • Liquid Crystal Polymer Network
  • Liquid Reallocation
  • Liquid Secretion
  • Porous Coating

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