High-performance surface-tension-driven capillary pumping based on layer-by-layer self assembly of TiO2 nanoparticles

This paper reports a surface-tension-driven powerful capillary microfluidic pump based on layer-by-layer (LbL) self assembly technique. The capillary pump with several parallel patterned silicon microchannels 200 μm wide is only coated with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles using LbL nano self assembly technique. The capillarity is investigated in a 45° inclined platform and a horizontal platform. The results show that this micropump can drive DI water more than 60 mm high or more without additional power in 4 seconds. This surface-tension-driven powerful capillary micropump may enhance pumping functionality and flexibility to expand the toolbox for variety of microfluidic systems.