Inscribing Wettability Gradients Onto Superhydrophobic Carbon Nanotube Surfaces

Abstract

Tunable wettability of carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays on the nanoscale is the key to move water droplets on such surfaces on a macroscopic scale. A novel type of superhydrophobic CNT surface for guided droplet transport, a key issue for future microfluidic systems, is demonstrated. It is accomplished by tailoring the required surface roughness using a process employing CNT regrowth, chemical passivation, and corona discharge. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.