The magnetic-responsive cone spine (MCS) array,where the coalesced-droplets transport to apexes of each MCSs,rather than the bottom (larger diameter) of cone spine thatwas reported previously. In this study, the microcone spine iscovered with nanohairs, and the low adhesion gradient can beinduced thereby along MCSs. It is demonstrated that the coalesceddroplets realize unidirectional transport from the bottomto apex of MCS, which differs from traditional cone spineswithout nanohairs with hydrophilic or hydrophobic ones. Thegradient of adhesion along MCS can be revealed to be attributedto the nanohair structures effect on microcone spine dueto curvature difference in solid–liquid interface. It is revealedthat the effective transport of coalesced droplets is related to theapex angle of cone spine and magnetic-responsive tilt-angles ofMCS. In addition, the MCS can be dynamically responded bymagnetic action for coalesced-droplet transport in efficiency.This study may help to develop a novel way to design a functionalsurface with a fluid-controlled ability.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/admi.201600145/epdf