WSU researchers have developed a method for electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) using graphene; a transparent, flexible and stretchable nanomaterial. Reversible contact angle changes were observed on the Teflon-coated graphene electrode with both AC and DC voltages and experiments confirmed the graphene electrode has a higher capacitive impedance, reduced electrolysis of the electrolyte and smaller leakage current in the dielectric layer (Teflon) on graphene electrodes than on similar gold electrodes. The graphene was made using CVD and can be transferred to various substrates.
The improved EWOD properties using graphene as an electrode material will open the door to various applications, including flexible displays and droplet manipulation in three-dimensional microfluidics.
Reference: 2012 “Electrowetting on dielectric experiments using graphene” Nanotechnology 23 pp375501