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Formation of ionic depletion/enrichment zones in a hybrid micro-/nano-channel

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Abstract

This study fabricates a cross-form microchip in which the two side channels are attached to the main channel via a nanochannel bridge. Ionic depletion and enrichment zones are established on the anodic and cathodic sides of the nanochannel. Results show that the low conductivity within the depletion zone induces a rapid electroosmotic flow, which in turn prompts the generation of vortex flow structures within the depletion zone. Both the lengthening of the depletion bulk charge layer and decrease in length of the diffusion layer as the applied voltage is increased are also demonstrated in this study.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided to this study by the National Science Council of Taiwan under Grant no. NSC-96-2628-E-006-162-MY3.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan

    Kuan-Da Huang & Ruey-Jen Yang

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  1. Kuan-Da Huang
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  2. Ruey-Jen Yang
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Correspondence to Ruey-Jen Yang.

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Huang, KD., Yang, RJ. Formation of ionic depletion/enrichment zones in a hybrid micro-/nano-channel. Microfluid Nanofluid 5, 631–638 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-008-0281-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-008-0281-9

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