TAIPEI, Nov 30 – Scientists at National Taiwan University have developed a molecular-scale adhesion switch that can make a surface instantly shift from sticky to slippery using electricity.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, shows how applying voltage can control the structuring of ions and water at the boundary between a solid and a liquid. The team used self-assembled monolayers of aromatic molecules on a gold surface to regulate adhesion with mica immersed in a sodium-containing electrolyte.

By applying negative potential, sodium ions were drawn into the molecular layer, forming a stable cushion-like barrier of ordered ions and water that repelled the mica surface. A positive potential expelled the ions, collapsing the hydration layer and allowing the surfaces to attract.

Researchers say the electromechanically controlled switch demonstrates how precise manipulation of ions and water at interfaces can create smart, responsive surfaces with tunable mechanical properties.

“This system shows a very peculiar mechanism for specific ion structuring and capturing that opens up fascinating new possibilities for understanding and utilizing interface phenomena,” said Prof. Hsiu-Wei Cheng, co-corresponding author of the study.