A smart surface that automatically manipulates the transport, concentration and separation of chemicals of micron to millimeter length scales offers new opportunities in miniaturized device technologies. To achieve such functionalities, it is crucial to incorporate chemical potential gradients onto the surface which greatly increase the mobility of analytes. Herein we have synthesized thin hydrogel films with various built-in chemical potential gradients to direct the transport of analytes with an enhanced mobility and separate mixtures landed on the gradients. We explored the interactions of various gradient surfaces with analytes to achieve effective transport, concentration and separation.  By a rational chemical design of the gradient surface, we can direct the analytes to the desired location on a surface. Our study also reveals that the interactions between the gradient surface and analytes need to stay within a certain bonding energy range to provide both enhanced mobility and directed transport of the analytes.

Directed molecular transport and separation by thin hydrogel films with built-in chemical potential gradients

246th National Meeting (2013)

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