Dynamically Actuated Liquid‐Infused Poroelastic Film with Precise Control over Droplet Dynamics

Abstract Traditional dynamic adaptive materials rely on an atomic/molecular mechanism of phase transition to induce macroscopic switch of properties, but only a small number of these materials and a limited responsive repertoire are available. Here, liquid as the adaptive component is utilized to realize responsive functions. Paired with a porous matrix that can be put in motion by an actuated dielectric elastomer film, the uncontrolled global flow of liquid is broken down to well‐defined reconfigurable localized flow within the pores and conforms to the network deformation. A detailed theoretical and experimental study of such a dynamically actuated liquid‐infused poroelastic film is discussed. This system demonstrates its ability to generate tunable surface wettability that can precisely control droplet dynamics from complete pinning, to fast sliding, and even more complex motions such as droplet oscillation, jetting, and mixing. This system also allows for repeated and seamless switch among these different droplet manipulations. These are desired properties in many applications such as reflective display, lab‐on‐a‐chip, optical device, dynamic measurements, energy harvesting, and others.