A material system for reliable low voltage anodic electrowetting

Electrowetting on dielectric is demonstrated with a thin spin-coated fluoropolymer over an aluminum electrode. Previous efforts to use thin spin-coated dielectric layers for electrowetting have shown limited success due to defects in the layers. However, when used with a citric acid electrolyte and anodic voltages, repeatable droplet actuation is achieved for 5000 cycles with an actuation of just 10 V. This offers the potential for low voltage electrowetting systems that can be manufactured with a simple low-cost process.

► Presents a low voltage electrowetting material system that does not require expensive dielectric deposition processes
► Utilizes anodic passivation of the electrode to minimize defect sensitivity
► Demonstrates reliable operation for > 1000 cycles