Fabrication and applications of stimuli‐responsive micro/nanopillar arrays

Abstract

Abstract The functional surface features of living creatures are driven by the complex morphology of periodically arranged micro/nanoscale structures. Various fabrication processes have been devised mimic the performance of natural features; these methods morph hierarchical and multi‐leveled pillar arrays, such as top‐down, bottom‐up, and a hybrid of top‐down and bottom‐up processes. Different methodologies are employed depending on the materials, such as polymeric composites, metal oxides, metals, and carbon nanotubes. In this review, we discuss the shape‐reconfiguration of stimuli‐responsive micro/nanopillar arrays achieved by capillary force, light, magnetic field, and heat. In particular, photo‐ and magnetic actuation of pillar arrays revealed programmability according to the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules or magnetic particles by remote control. Furthermore, applications of micro/nanopillar arrays, such as adhesives, omniphobicity, optics, and biomedical technologies, are also discussed.