Fabrication and applications of stimuli-responsive micro/nanopillar arrays

Abstract

The functional surface features of living creatures are driven by the complex morphology of periodically arranged micro/nanoscale structures. Various fabrication processes have been devised mimic the performance of natural features; these methods morph hierarchical and multi-leveled pillar arrays, such as top-down, bottom-up, and a hybrid of top-down and bottom-up processes. Different methodologies are employed depending on the materials, such as polymeric composites, metal oxides, metals, and carbon nanotubes. In this review, we discuss the shape-reconfiguration of stimuli-responsive micro/nanopillar arrays achieved by capillary force, light, magnetic field, and heat. In particular, photo- and magnetic actuation of pillar arrays revealed programmability according to the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules or magnetic particles by remote control. Furthermore, applications of micro/nanopillar arrays, such as adhesives, omniphobicity, optics, and biomedical technologies, are also discussed.