A research team from the University of Liège, in collaboration with Brown University, has developed a method to precisely manipulate the surface of water using 3D-printed microstructures. The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates how closely spaced conical spikes can be used to create dense fields of menisci that collectively form relief-like patterns on the surface of a liquid through controlled surface tension effects.
The approach builds on the physical principle that individual objects at the air-water interface generate a curved surface area—known as a meniscus—due to capillary forces. When many such structures are printed in close proximity, these menisci overlap and combine to form a larger, continuous deformation.
“As we know, each spike creates a meniscus around itself,” explains physicist Megan Delens. “Following this logic, this means that if we align them well and they are close enough together, we should see a sort of giant meniscus appear, resulting from the superposition and addition of each individual meniscus.”
Depending on the height, shape, and spacing of the spikes, various liquid topographies can be created—ranging from simple inclined planes and curved surfaces to more complex shapes such as a miniature version of the Atomium in Brussels.
“This method also offers a new way of moving and sorting floating objects such as marbles, droplets or plastic particles,” explains Professor Nicolas Vandewalle, physicist and director of the lab. “When the liquid surface slopes, the lighter objects rise thanks to Archimedes’ thrust , and the denser ones sink under the action of their own weight, as if they were sliding down a hill of water.”
Beyond its physical demonstration, the technique offers practical potential. Lighter particles can travel along the inclined surface via buoyant forces, while heavier ones follow gravitational paths.
“The idea would be to be able to control the shape of the liquid surface in real time. These advances would make this method even more useful for developing innovative new technologies in microfluidics,” concludes Delens.
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to replace the static spikes with active materials responsive to magnetic fields or temperature. This would enable dynamic manipulation of the liquid landscape, opening new possibilities for microfluidics and environmental applications. The combination of additive manufacturing and precise interfacial control marks a new direction in passive particle guidance.
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