IonFlowElast · Ion Flow in Microfluidics with Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators

Microfluidic devices consist of microscopic channels designed for precise fluid control. Their small size ensures laminar fluid flow, enabling the controlled transport of dissolved substances with applications in energy harvesting, desalination or even novel computing paradigms. However, the typical rigid network of channels greatly restricts their adaptability, and consequently, there is growing interest in developing time-evolving microfluidic systems, that can function as pumps, valves and mixing units. This requires a deeper understanding of fluid flows in dynamic environments and the development of stimuli-responsive materials for microfluidic walls. A highly promising approach involves the use of Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs), which can change shape when stimulated. By incorporating LCEs into the walls of microfluidic devices, these systems can become responsive. The shape morphing can then be applied in microfluidic pumps and valves, two components required to achieve a fully integrated lab on a chip. I propose to pioneer the use of LCEs in responsive microfluidics and to deepen our understanding of the intricate non-linear dynamics between channel shape and conductivity. I will perform numerical simulations of the capabilities of LCEs in shape morphing microfluidic channels. I will then take the shape morphing channels and use the Lattice Boltzmann Method to simulate the transport of fluid and dissolved ions inside shape morphing channels. This will allow me to understand how to use LCEs in a microfluidic channel that, when stimulated, exhibits peristaltic motion or blocks the fluid flow. The project enables bidirectional knowledge transfer: the host’s expertise in liquid crystals will be instrumental for modeling LCEs, while my expertise in fluid dynamics will contribute to understanding transport in shape-morphing channels. This collaborative effort is crucial for advancing new bottom-up approaches in nanotechnology, aligning with European priorities.