Nanofilm processors controlled by electrolyte flows of femtoliter volume

Nanofilm processors are a new kind of smart system based on the lateral self-oxidation of nanoscale aluminum films. The time dependency of these devices is controlled by electrolyte flows of femtoliter volume which can be modulated by different mechanisms. In this paper, we provide a deeper investigation of the electrolyte transport in the nanofilm processor and the different possibilities to control the aluminum oxidation velocity. A method for the in situ investigation of the acidic characteristic of the channel electrolyte is demonstrated. The obtained results form a set of instruments for constructing more complex electrolyte circuits and should allow the creation of nanofilm processors of arbitrary time dependence. Because the nanofilm processor combines different functional blocks and can operate in a self-sustained manner, without requiring batteries, this smart system may serve as a basis for many potential applications.