A Droplet Platform Based on Parahydrophobic Nanoforests for on-Site Ion Detections

In this work, a pattern-free and high-throughput droplet platform with low reagent consumption, and applicable for on-site preliminary screening of ions is proposed. The droplet platform is composed of nanowire-nanopillar double-layer forests with features of superhydrophobicity and high adhesion, and it can tightly capture analyte droplets with a large contact angle. The platform is fabricated simply by plasma-treating of polyimide, silicon etching, and decoration of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) molecules. Based on such a droplet platform, detection of chromium ions through chromogenic reaction is successfully realized. It is expected that such a platform can be used for on-site ion screening with various concentrations and species.