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Electrowetting Behavior and Digital Microfluidic Applications of Fluorescent, Polymer-Encapsulated Quantum Dot
Urice N Tohgha1,2, Ernest L Alvino3, Clark C Jarnagin1,2
1Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate , Wright-Patterson Air Force Base , Dayton , Ohio 45433-7750 , United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 11, 2019
Summary
Digital microfluidics enables precise control of fluorescent quantum dot nanofluids. This technology allows rapid mixing of droplets to create new optical properties without affecting stability or performance.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Digital microfluidics utilizes electrowetting-on-dielectric for precise droplet manipulation.
- Quantum dot nanofluids offer unique optical properties for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the wetting behavior of fluorescent quantum dot nanofluids.
- To evaluate the stability and optical properties of these nanofluids in a digital microfluidics platform.
- To demonstrate the actuation and mixing capabilities for generating novel optical properties.
Main Methods:
- Employing alternating current voltage to aqueous droplets in a dodecane medium.
- Varying aqueous-solubilizing polymers, nanocrystal size, and surfactant concentrations.
- Evaluating nanofluid stability and optical property changes under high voltages (250 V).
Main Results:
- Achieved significant contact angle changes (>100°) in nanofluid droplets.
- Demonstrated stable quantum dot nanofluid performance within the microfluidics platform.
- Successfully actuated and mixed multiple fluorescent droplets (<10 s) to create new optical properties.
Conclusions:
- Digital microfluidics is a viable platform for manipulating quantum dot nanofluids.
- The technology preserves optical properties and stability under electrical actuation.
- Enables rapid generation of novel nanofluids with tailored optical characteristics through controlled mixing.
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