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Photothermal Marangoni convection on nanostructured surfaces
Rui Zhuo1, Kyoko Namura1, Motofumi Suzuki1
1Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
Nanotechnology
|April 16, 2026
Summary
Surface nanostructures significantly enhance photothermally induced Marangoni convection in droplets. This effect, driven by capillary action and efficient heat transfer, offers improved control for microfluidic applications.
Area of Science:
- Surface science and nanotechnology
- Fluid dynamics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Marangoni convection is driven by surface tension gradients, crucial in droplet dynamics.
- Photothermal effects can induce temperature gradients, initiating Marangoni flow.
- Controlling convection is key for microfluidic device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how nanoscale surface structures influence photothermally induced Marangoni convection.
- To understand the role of nanocolumn geometry (density, height) in modulating droplet flow.
- To explore the potential of nanostructured surfaces for enhancing microfluidic applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of SiO2 nanocolumns on an FeSi2 photothermal thin film.
- Placement of water droplets on the nanostructured surface.
- Laser irradiation to induce photothermal heating and Marangoni convection.
- Visualization of fluid flow using tracer particles.
Main Results:
- Nanostructured surfaces showed faster onset and higher magnitude of Marangoni convection compared to flat surfaces.
- Enhanced convection persisted even with distant laser irradiation.
- Capillary-driven water replenishment and efficient heat transfer via phase change were identified as key enhancement mechanisms.
- Nanocolumn height and density influenced evaporation rate and convection response.
Conclusions:
- Surface nanostructures effectively modulate interfacial temperature gradients.
- Nanostructured surfaces significantly enhance photothermally induced Marangoni flow.
- This enhancement holds promise for advanced microfluidic applications requiring precise fluid control.
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