Citation: Yiqi Zhang, Xinle Zhang, Yilin Liao, Tao Zeng, Junhao Ai, Ran Niu, Jiang Gong, Yuping Zhang. Fantastic voyage in a foam raft: droplet motor driven by surface tension and Marangoni flow[J]. University Chemistry, ;2026, 41(7): 126-133. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202506108 shu

Fantastic voyage in a foam raft: droplet motor driven by surface tension and Marangoni flow

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei Province, China

Corresponding author: Ran Niu, Jiang Gong, Yuping Zhang,
Received Date: 27 June 2025
Revised Date: 27 August 2025

From the autonomous navigation of childhood foam boats to modern targeted drug delivery systems, surface tension and Marangoni flow consistently play pivotal roles. Using the self-propelled motion of polyethyleneimine/poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PEI/PSSNa) droplet motors as a model system, we designed three experimental modules: single droplet motion observation, Marangoni flow field visualization, and droplet transport demonstration. These experiments elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of surface tension gradients and Marangoni flow. Through an edutainment approach incorporating multi-level science communication strategies, accessible language, interactive experiments, and comprehensive demonstrations, we showcase the remarkable capabilities of surface tension and Marangoni flow. This methodology not only sparks audiences’ enthusiasm for chemical exploration but also enables them to genuinely appreciate the wonders of chemistry, while establishing a conceptual bridge between fundamental science and technological innovation.
- Interfacial chemistry,
- Surface tension,
- Marangoni flow,
- Droplet motors,
- Science popularization
1. [1]
  F. Sylvia, Chem. Unserer Zeit 2022, 56(6), 344.
2. [2]
3. [3]
  S. Nakata, H. Yamamoto, Y. Koyano, O. Yamanaka, Y. Sumino, N.J. Suematsu, H. Kitahata, P. Skrobanska, J. Gorecki, J. Phys. Chem. B 2016, 120, 9166.
4. [4]
  R.J.G. Löffler, T. Roliński, H. Kitahata, Y. Koyano, J. Górecki, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2023, 25, 7794.
5. [5]
  A. Marmur, Langmuir 2004, 20, 3517.
6. [6]
  E. Bormashenko, O. Gendelman, G. Whyman, Langmuir 2012, 28(42), 14992.
7. [7]
  H.P. Khadamkar, M.A. Khanwale, S.S. Sawant, C.S. Mathpati, Chem. Eng. Sci. 2017, 170, 176.
8. [8]
  J. Chen, C. Yang, Z.-S. Mao, Eur. Phys. J. 2015, 224, 389.
9. [9]
10. [10]
  D. Zhang, X. Du, X. Song, H. Wang, X. Li, Y. Jiang, M. Wang, SPE J. 2017, 23(3), 831.
11. [11]
  D. Cholakova , M. Lisicki , S.K. Smoukov, S. Tcholakova , E.E. Lin, J. Chen, G. De Canio, E. Lauga , N. Denkov, Nat. Phys. 2021, 17, 1050.
12. [12]
  C. Maggi, F. Saglimbeni, M. Dipalo, F. De Angelis, R. Di Leonardo, Nat. Commun. 2015, 6, 7855.
13. [13]
  H. Wu, Y. Chen, W. Xu, C. Xin, T. Wu, W. Feng, H. Yu, C. Chen, S. Jiang, Y. Zhang, et al., Nat. Commun. 2023, 14, 20.
14. [14]
  C.C. Maass, C. Kruger, S. Herminghaus, C. Bahr, Annu. Rev. Condens. Matter Phys. 2016. 7, 171.
15. [15]
  L. Wang, B. Yuan, J. Lu, S. Tan, F. Liu, L. Yu, Z. He, J. Liu, Adv. Mater. 2016, 28, 4065.
16. [16]
  K. Feng, J.C. Ureña Marcos, A.K. Mukhopadhyay, R. Niu, Q. Zhao, J. Qu, B. Liebchen, Adv. Sci. 2023, 10(27), 2300866.
1. [1]
  Yuxin Bai , Haiying Jiang . The Physical Chemistry behind Culinary Delights. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(2): 286-294. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202503082
2. [2]
  Yongmin Zhang , Shuang Guo , Mingyue Zhu , Menghui Liu , Sinong Li . Design and Improvement of Physicochemical Experiments Based on Problem-Oriented Learning: a Case Study of Liquid Surface Tension Measurement. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(2): 21-27. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202307026
3. [3]
  Meng Lin , Heng Zhang , Shiling Yuan . Exploring a Combined Theory-Practice-Simulation Teaching Model in Physical Chemistry: A Case Study of Surface Tension. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(4): 189-194. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202407053
4. [4]
  Congying Lu , Fei Zhong , Zhenyu Yuan , Shuaibing Li , Jiayao Li , Jiewen Liu , Xianyang Hu , Liqun Sun , Rui Li , Meijuan Hu . Experimental Improvement of Surfactant Interface Chemistry: An Integrated Design for the Fusion of Experiment and Simulation. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(3): 283-293. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202308097
5. [5]
  Yutong Dong , Huiling Xu , Yucheng Zhao , Zexin Zhang , Ying Wang . The Hidden World of Surface Tension and Droplets. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(6): 357-365. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202312022
6. [6]
  Qin Li , Kexin Yang , Qinglin Yang , Xiangjin Zhu , Xiaole Han , Tao Huang . Illuminating Chlorophyll: Innovative Chemistry Popularization Experiment. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(9): 359-368. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202309059
7. [7]
  Ruilin Han , Xiaoqi Yan . Comparison of Multiple Function Methods for Fitting Surface Tension and Concentration Curves. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(7): 381-385. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202311023
8. [8]
  Yufan Pan , Xue Ding , Jiayu Lin , Haiting Wu , Hairong Huang , Cuixue Chen , Meiling Ye . Oil Cosmetics, Charming Chemistry: A Gradient Science Popularization Scheme for Cream Cosmetic Preparation. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(4): 382-389. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202406078
9. [9]
  Xiangrong Zhang , Guoxin Yang , Peiling Lin , Yanhong Bai , Baoping Li , Honglang Liu , Kai Xi . Exploration and Practice of University Resources in Diversifying Chemistry Science Popularization. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(2): 248-254. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202502018
10. [10]
  Qilong Fang , Yiqi Li , Jiangyihui Sheng , Quan Yuan , Jie Tan . Magical Pesticide Residue Detection Test Strips: Aptamer-based Lateral Flow Test Strips for Organophosphorus Pesticide Detection. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(5): 80-89. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202310004
11. [11]
  Changjia Hu , Sinuo Li , Wen Jiang , Ruiyang Wu , Wenhong Ruan , Rong Lai . 分子盾牌：解锁防晒的化学密码. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(5): 14-25. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202510001
12. [12]
  Jing Ma , Qiuli Zhang , Yujie Zhang , Nijun Xu , Guoping Li . Exploring a New Model of General Chemistry Teaching Based on Anime-Inspired Chemistry Concepts. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(2): 14-20. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202501014
13. [13]
  Xinyi Zhao , Haiying Jiang . Unveiling physical chemistry principles in classical Chinese poetry. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(7): 168-174. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202504068
14. [14]
  Yaqian Zhou , Ziyang Li , Xia Yang , Wentao Jia , Bin Cui , Yan Li . The adventure of xiao'an: deciphering safety puzzles in chemical laboratory instrumentation. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(4): 297-301. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202503112
15. [15]
  Wenying Shi , Xianggui Kong , Hong Yan . Supramolecular chemistry: a molecularly functional world built by the noncovalent code. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(7): 134-143. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202506051
16. [16]
  Lingqi Zhang , Hairong Huang , Jialin Li , Li Ji , Yufan Pan , Meiling Ye , Cuixue Chen , Shunü Peng . 桂花碳量子点的绿色制备及科普应用方案. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(8): 298-306. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202409138
17. [17]
  Jinxin Gao , Yuliang Li , Qiuya Zhang , Zhaoyang Wang , Honghao Li , Xiaofang Zhang , Dongliang Tian . Experimental Teaching Design for High-Efficiency Water Electrolysis Hydrogen Production Electrodes with Bubble Diversion Function. University Chemistry, 2026, 41(4): 380-392. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202502101
18. [18]
  Tianyang Yu , Hao Wei . “Illness Enters through the Mouth”: A Brief Overview of Toxic Chemical Substances in Common Foods. University Chemistry, 2025, 40(7): 225-231. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202409083
19. [19]
  Wei Gao , Jinyue Yang , Wenwei Zhang . Practice and Exploration of Promoting the “Double Reduction” Work with Popular Science Resources in Universities. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(9): 385-391. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202311008
20. [20]
  Hongyao Li , Youyan Liu , Luwei Dai , Min Yang , Qihui Wang . The Blessing of Indium Sulfide：Confronting the Narrow Path with Uric Acid. University Chemistry, 2024, 39(5): 325-335. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202311104

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Metrics

PDF Downloads(0)
Abstract views(100)
HTML views(17)

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

1.
沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142