Underwater Unidirectional Cellular Fluidics

Abstract

The unidirectional fluidics underwater promises the manipulation of gas/liquid for various significant applications. Inspired by the unique stomata on the surface of hornwort stems and leaves that enable the transport and storage of oxygen underwater, we propose a bionic cell with porous membranes fabricated by the projection microstereolithography based 3D printing technique. Different Laplace forces coming from different contact angles for the respectively superhydrophilic outside and hydrophobic inside promise unidirectional fluidic performance, which stop water flowing inside of the bionic cell while exhausting gas and liquid outside of it. In addition, geometric parameters of the bionic cell make a big difference in its unique unidirectional fluidic performance. Simultaneously, the underlying mechanisms of the unidirectional penetration of liquid in our 3D printed bionic cell are theoretically revealed. Moreover, we demonstrate potential applications of our bionic cell with underwater anaerobic chemical reactions to fully apply its outstanding unidirectional fluidics underwater. Our bionic cell opens a gate for potential applications in chemical and microfluidic engineering underwater, such as the storage of flammable materials, fast solid− liquid separations, and anaerobic chemical reactions.

Droplet interface in additive manufacturing: From process to application

“…(c) Self-cleaning performance of a bionic cell underwater. 72 Reproduced with permission from the American Chemical Society, copyright 2021 ACS.…”

3D Printed Silicones with Shape Morphing and Low-Temperature Ultraelasticity

“…Nature controls material properties via intricate structural organization of matter, often with embedded porosity, and it has long been an engineering pursuit to fabricate cellular materials (foams) with designed structures and tailored properties. − Among them, silicone rubber foams are especially attractive by combining the elasticity, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility, and radiation resistance of silicones with the low density, high surface area, and deformability of foams, which could find a wide range of applications such as oil/water separation, flexible sensors, soft robots, energy dissipation, and tissue engineering. − …”

Three-Dimensional Open Water Microchannel Transpiration Mimetics

“…Natural organisms have evolved unique capillary abilities for survival. − As the smallest bird in the world, hummingbird’s flexible tongue allows them to quickly suck and transport nectar (Figure a) . Since 1883, many studies have focused on their feeding mechanisms and gradually differentiated into two major points: the capillary theory and the elastic micropump theory. , The tongue of a hummingbird is initially cylindrical with a longitudinal slot, which is compressed and dented when it protrudes from the beak.…”