A current YMF user, Joaquin Ramirez-Medina from Prof. Alidad Amirfazli's group, has successfully developed an electrowetting-based microelectrode platform that actively controls droplet motion and coalescence to sustain efficient dropwise condensation—an important challenge in air conditioning, dehumidification, and power generation systems.

Using stepwise electrical activation of patterned electrodes, the platform enables droplets to merge rapidly and transport across the surface, growing from micron-scale droplets into shedding-scale droplets within seconds. This controlled macro-coalescence process helps maintain clear condensing surfaces and significantly improves thermal performance compared to conventional passive approaches.

All fabrication and experimental work for this project was conducted at the York University Microfabrication Facility (YMF). The research leveraged YMF’s comprehensive cleanroom infrastructure, including photolithography, metal deposition, lift-off processing, spin coating, hot-plate processing, and PECVD dielectric deposition.

This project demonstrates how YMF supports student-led, cutting-edge research—from device fabrication to conference-ready results—at the intersection of microfabrication, surface science, and energy-related technologies.

Image courtesy of Joaquin Ramirez-Medina, a graduate student in the research group of Prof. Alidad Amirfazli, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering.