Abstract: Disclosed herein are solution-based additive manufacturing inks comprising a polymer, a volatile solvent compound, and a nonsolvent compound. With current additive manufacturing techniques, a wide range of functionally innovative polymers are left without the ability to be used in additive manufacturing. Improved additive manufacturing techniques to process advanced functional polymers are desirable. The disclosed ink is operable to render any chosen polymer useable in additive manufacturing methods. The composition of the disclosed ink allows for a phase inversion to occur to transition the ink from a liquid ink to a solid manufactured structure. Also disclosed herein are devices for additive manufacturing of the ink and methods for making the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relates generally to methods of providing biomimetic superhydrophobic coatings to substrates, and more specifically to providing biomimetic inorganic silica or silane-based coatings that enable tunable hierarchical surface structures with high coating-to-substrate adhesion, resistance to various mechanical abradents, durability, shelf stability, and enhanced non-wettability or water-repellency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relates generally to methods of providing biomimetic superhydrophobic coatings to substrates, and more specifically to providing biomimetic inorganic silica or silane-based coatings that enable tunable hierarchical surface structures with high coating-to-substrate adhesion, resistance to various mechanical abradents, durability, shelf stability, and enhanced non-wettability or water-repellency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are solution-based additive manufacturing inks comprising a polymer, a volatile solvent compound, and a nonsolvent compound. With current additive manufacturing techniques, a wide range of functionally innovative polymers are left without the ability to be used in additive manufacturing. Improved additive manufacturing techniques to process advanced functional polymers are desirable. The disclosed ink is operable to render any chosen polymer useable in additive manufacturing methods. The composition of the disclosed ink allows for a phase inversion to occur to transition the ink from a liquid ink to a solid manufactured structure. Also disclosed herein are devices for additive manufacturing of the ink and methods for making the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to microfluidic devices and methods of making microfluidic devices. An exemplary method of making a microfluidic device comprises: providing a substrate; depositing, onto the substrate, a hydrophobic material; and etching, into the substrate, at least one hydrophilic channel into the hydrophobic substrate.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for anti-wetting metallic surfaces. A metallic object is introduced to an electrochemical solution. A cathode is introduced to the electrochemical solution, and an anode is attached to the metallic object. An electric potential between the cathode and anode is applied, such that selective electrochemical etching of the surface of the metallic object occurs. The selective etching etches grain boundaries at the surface of the metallic object, and the grain boundaries define grain faces.

Abstract: A method for forming nanostructures including introducing a hollow shell into a reactor. The hollow shell has catalyst nanoparticles exposed on its interior surface. The method also includes introducing a precursor into the reactor to grow nanostructures from the interior surface of the hollow shell from the catalyst nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for forming nanostructures including introducing a hollow shell into a reactor. The hollow shell has catalyst nanoparticles exposed on its interior surface. The method also includes introducing a precursor into the reactor to grow nanostructures from the interior surface of the hollow shell from the catalyst nanoparticles.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for anti-wetting metallic surfaces. A metallic object is introduced to an electrochemical solution. A cathode is introduced to the electrochemical solution, and an anode is attached to the metallic object. An electric potential between the cathode and anode is applied, such that selective electrochemical etching of the surface of the metallic object occurs. The selective etching etches grain boundaries at the surface of the metallic object, and the grain boundaries define grain faces.