The actuation of droplets on surfaces is very critical for various microfluidic, nanofluidic and optofluidic applications. Electrowetting represents an attractive technique to manipulate fluids on surfaces and has gained interest in smart optics, electronic paper, and energy harvesting applications. The unique spreading characteristics of nanofluids (fluid –containing nanoparticles) are very appealing for fluid actuation on surfaces. We will present our work firstly, on the electrowetting of nanofluids based on quantum dots (CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS), ferroelectric (BaTiO<sub>3</sub>) and metallic (Ag) nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous and non-aqueous media. We show that nanoparticle surface chemistry, composition, concentration and dispersion media are key parameters in nanofluid actuation on dielectric surfaces. Secondly, this interesting phenomenon will also be demonstrated in an electrowetting-based OpenDrop digital microfluidic platform in which the actuation voltages differ significantly depending on the medium and nanoparticle composition.

Influence of quantum dot and nanomaterial composition on aqueous and non-aqueous digital microfluidics

2019 Fall National Meeting

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