Hydrophilic articles and methods of using such articles are described. The hydrophilic articles include a hydrophilic layer comprising sintered, acidified silica nanoparticles attached to a substrate. A spacer layer attached to a first portion of the hydrophilic layer defines at least one fluid transport channel bounded on one side by a second portion of the hydrophilic layer. The nanoparticles may include one or both of spherical and elongated nanoparticles.