Droplet shapes on the prepared samples.

<p>Image (a) indicates the case before Teflon treatment and (b) indicates the case after Teflon treatment.</p

The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra of the sample.

<p>The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra of the sample.</p

Schematic representation of the superhydrophobic states.

<p>Image (a) indicates the case on single micro scale frame and (b) presents the state on our 3D hierarchical dune-like ZnO architectures.</p

FE-SEM images of the ZnO film constructed on alumina substrate.

<p>The magnifications of these images are (a)×160 (b)×1600 (c)×3000 respectively.</p

FE-SEM images of the ZnO films constructed on glass substrate with a magnification of (a) ×800, (b) ×20000, (c) ×40000, (d) ×80000.

<p>FE-SEM images of the ZnO films constructed on glass substrate with a magnification of (a) ×800, (b) ×20000, (c) ×40000, (d) ×80000.</p

Different water droplet configurations.

<p>(a) Water droplet spread on the superhydrophilic ZnO film, and (b) a water bead standing on a Teflon-modified ZnO surface.</p

Responsive Colloidal Crystal for Spectrometer Grating

Diffraction gratings have a demonstrated value in optical applications, such as monochromators and spectrometers. Recent efforts have been directed at finding simple ways to manufacture diffraction gratings at low cost and under mild conditions. Here we present a practical strategy to fabricate a diffraction grating by simply treating an elastic photonic crystal film with a gradient of stress. The film was made of non-close-packed colloidal crystal arrays embedded in hydrogel polymer. Its photonic band gap (PBG) could be tuned precisely by using varying levels of pressure. Thus, when the elastic photonic crystal film was subjected to a stress gradient, a novel diffraction grating with continuously varying PBGs in the whole visible range could be achieved. The practical application of this type of diffraction grating was demonstrated in a miniaturized spectrometer system

Bioinspired Multifunctional Janus Particles for Droplet Manipulation

Inspired by the nipple arrays covering mosquitoes’ eyes and the heterogeneous textured bumps on beetles’ backs, we have developed a new kind of Janus particle with multiplexed features, such as different boss arrays and wettability compartmentalized on the same surface, and an anisotropic color and magnetic properties. The prepared Janus particles can be anchored at the air–water interface and act as a highly flexible barrier for preventing coalescence of water droplets. The incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles can give the Janus particles magnetic responsiveness for controlled transportation and coalescence of liquid marbles, while the structural colors in the Janus particles can be employed for barcoding of the encapsulated liquid marbles. We believe that these small Janus particles have great potential as components for constructing intelligent interfacial objects

Bioinspired Multifunctional Janus Particles for Droplet Manipulation

Inspired by the nipple arrays covering mosquitoes’ eyes and the heterogeneous textured bumps on beetles’ backs, we have developed a new kind of Janus particle with multiplexed features, such as different boss arrays and wettability compartmentalized on the same surface, and an anisotropic color and magnetic properties. The prepared Janus particles can be anchored at the air–water interface and act as a highly flexible barrier for preventing coalescence of water droplets. The incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles can give the Janus particles magnetic responsiveness for controlled transportation and coalescence of liquid marbles, while the structural colors in the Janus particles can be employed for barcoding of the encapsulated liquid marbles. We believe that these small Janus particles have great potential as components for constructing intelligent interfacial objects

Bioinspired Multifunctional Janus Particles for Droplet Manipulation

Inspired by the nipple arrays covering mosquitoes’ eyes and the heterogeneous textured bumps on beetles’ backs, we have developed a new kind of Janus particle with multiplexed features, such as different boss arrays and wettability compartmentalized on the same surface, and an anisotropic color and magnetic properties. The prepared Janus particles can be anchored at the air–water interface and act as a highly flexible barrier for preventing coalescence of water droplets. The incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles can give the Janus particles magnetic responsiveness for controlled transportation and coalescence of liquid marbles, while the structural colors in the Janus particles can be employed for barcoding of the encapsulated liquid marbles. We believe that these small Janus particles have great potential as components for constructing intelligent interfacial objects