Droplet Self-Propulsion Based on Heterogeneous Surfaces

Actuating droplets for various dynamic behaviors has significant applications in the fields of biomedicine. microfluidics, and trace detection. The droplet movement depends on the adjustment of the forces on different positions of the droplets. Droplet self-propulsion based on heterogeneous surfaces shows advantages such as easy operation and energy conversation. which has been one of the research hotspots in droplet propulsion. In this article. recent research of droplet propulsion based on heterogeneous surfaces is reviewed. Firstly. the general principle of droplet self-propulsion based on surface heterogeneity is discussed. According to the different preparation methods. heterogeneous surfaces are divided into three categories: the heterogeneous wettability surface. the anisotropic structure surface and the synergistic surface. Their fabrications and applications are summarized. respectively. Finally. the limitations and the developments of heterogeneous surface are prospected and discussed.