To realize the functions of de-icing and self-propelling of droplet, one soft and superhydrophobic microfluidic chip (SMC) equipped with the liquid metal was successfully fabricated in this work. After modification via nanostructures and lower surface free energy cover, the SMC surface shows self-cleaning performance. The surface not only could realize self-propelling of droplet at room temperature but also uni-directional de-icing even −30 °C after melting. The results indicate the driving force is induced by the thermal gradient, which is generated by resistance heating of liquid metal (GaIn_24.5). This study is significant for extending the applications of microfluidic chip in low temperature condition.

为了实现液滴的除冰和自推进功能，成功地制备了一种配备有液态金属的超疏水软性微流体芯片（SMC）。通过纳米结构和较低的表面自由能覆盖层进行改性后，SMC表面显示出自清洁性能。表面不仅可以在室温下实现液滴的自推进，而且在融化后甚至在−30°C时也可以单向除冰。结果表明，驱动力是由热梯度引起的，热梯度是由液态金属（GaIn _24.5）的电阻加热产生的。这项研究对于扩展微流控芯片在低温条件下的应用具有重要意义。