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Controlling Liquid Droplet Motion on Solid Surfaces: from Pinning Mechanisms to Driving Forces
Chenyu Qiao1, Yongxiang Sun1, Yichun Han1
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada.
ACS Nano
|August 18, 2025
Summary
This review explores liquid droplet manipulation strategies (LDMSs), examining the physics of droplet-surface interactions. It clarifies mechanisms behind droplet pinning and motion, offering insights for advanced material and device development.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Liquid droplets are crucial in natural and engineered systems, impacting applications from painting to microfluidics.
- Their mobility and deformability lead to complex behaviors like pinning, motion, and coalescence.
- Existing liquid droplet manipulation strategies (LDMSs) often lack a clear mechanistic understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze the physical mechanisms underlying representative LDMSs.
- To correlate liquid droplet physics with recent advances in surface forces.
- To improve the fundamental understanding of droplet behavior and inform the development of efficient LDMSs.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing and analyzing physical mechanisms of LDMSs reported in the past decade.
- Focusing on droplet-surface interactions, particularly pinning and depinning phenomena.
- Categorizing LDMSs based on driving force origins and analyzing their physical underpinnings.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of forces governing droplet pinning and depinning on solid surfaces.
- Analysis of mechanisms initiating droplet motion.
- Categorization of LDMSs into three types based on driving force sources.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced understanding of the physics governing liquid droplet behavior.
- Valuable insights for developing more efficient LDMSs and novel materials.
- Identified challenges and future perspectives for LDMS research and application.
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