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Self-powered droplet manipulation for full human-droplet interaction in multiple mediums

Author

Listed:
  • Jianfeng Sun

    (Chongqing Normal University)

  • Qing Zhao

    (Chongqing University)

  • Zeng Mo

    (Army Medical University)

  • Jie Chen

    (Chongqing Normal University)

  • Hengyu Guo

    (Chongqing University)

  • Lingjun Zhang

    (Army Medical University)

Abstract

Droplet manipulation holds significant promise across the energy, environmental, and medical fields. However, current methods still lack a solution that simultaneously satisfies the requirements for self-powered energy supply, high efficiency, human-droplet interaction, flexibility, and universality. Herein, we develop a human-droplet interaction platform based on an omni-directional triboelectric tweezer, which directly utilizes triboelectric charges induced by human motion to manipulate droplets. The omni-directional triboelectric tweezer produces the charges and electric field necessary for droplet control through simple sliding motions, thereby eliminating conventional dependencies on power source and complex electrode arrays. Moreover, its omni-directional operation capability further enhances the flexibility and precision of droplet manipulation. Our approach demonstrates effective droplet manipulation in both gas and liquid phases through hand movements, enabling a range of operations such as efficient transportation, precise anchoring, flexible steering, merging chemical reactions, and drug extraction, showcasing its comprehensive application capabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianfeng Sun & Qing Zhao & Zeng Mo & Jie Chen & Hengyu Guo & Lingjun Zhang, 2025. "Self-powered droplet manipulation for full human-droplet interaction in multiple mediums," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57656-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57656-2
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