Using Magnetism to Induce Movement in Water Droplets
A collaborative effort between material scientists from Sun Yat-sen University and Dalian University of Technology in China has demonstrated the ability to manipulate the movement of a single water droplet by incorporating a magnetic particle inside it and controlling an electromagnet’s activation. This research was published in the journal ACS Nano.
The research team delved into the realm of on-demand droplet transportation as part of a broader investigation. In exploring methods to induce controlled movement in liquid droplets, specifically water, the researchers established various experimental setups.
Crafting Grooves and Inserting Metal Pieces
They carved small grooves on a flat surface, then applied a water-repellent varnish to facilitate droplet formation upon splashing. Once droplets formed, the team inserted minuscule pieces of metal into each droplet, where they remained held in place by surface tension. They positioned the entire setup over an array of electromagnets.
However, upon activating the electromagnet, it attracted the bottom portion of the droplet downward into the groove, elongating it. Deactivating the electromagnet suddenly removed the downward force, causing the droplet to spring back to its original shape akin to a rubber band. However, due to the energy stored in the droplet, the recoiling motion propelled the droplet momentarily into the air before it rebounded.
Utilizing this hopping method, the researchers discovered they could prompt a solitary droplet to ascend miniature stairs or traverse obstacles. They even experimented with filling the gap between two wires, resulting in a flashing light.
To conclude, this technique holds potential for chemical transportation or mixing purposes, and may even find application in drug delivery systems. The researchers envision scaling down the approach for creating lab-on-a-chip technologies.
Read the original article on: Phys Org
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