Transport-induced-charge electroosmosis in nanopores

Abstract

In this work, we derive analytical solutions for a unique electrokinetic phenomenon, being termed as transport-induced-charge electroosmosis (TICEO), which does not originate from electric double layers, but is due to the local ion separation in a nanopore filled with an electrolyte solution in the presence of a salinity gradient. We show that the direction of TICEO is independent of the applied electric field, and thus suitable for alternating current (AC) pumping applications. Using a transient model, we examine the time scale, length scale, and operating frequency range for TICEO in a thin nanopore, providing useful guidance for nanopore design in AC nanofluidic technology.

Topics & Concepts