Wetting properties of silicon mesh microchannels coated with SiO2/SnO2 nanoparticles using layer-by-layer nano self assembly

The wetting property of silicon mesh microchannels which are coated with SiO₂/SnO₂ nanoparticles is investigated in this paper. The SiO₂/SnO₂ bi-layer were prepared using layer-by-layer nano self assembly. It was found that the silicon mesh channels were superhydrophilic and demonstrated powerful capillary forces. The capillary rise rate was tested by measuring the front location of liquid on the silicon mesh surface that was laid on a 45 degree inclined platform. As for the silicon mesh 25 mm by 25 mm, when the width of microchannels is 0.5 mm, the liquid front can reach the top edge of a sample in approximately 30 seconds.