Toward tuning flow charecteristics in microchannel by nanotechnology and electrokinetic: Numerical simulation of heterogenous electroosmotic flow

Nanotechnology in recent years helps researcehers to design flow rate and profile in microsized channel via making surface charge heterogenous. This paper numerically simulates the electroosmotic flow inside a microchannel with non-uniform Zeta potential (ZP). The problem is a two-dimensional, incompressible, steady, and laminar channel flow between two parallel plates. The numerical results show that the flow rate changes compared to a constant ZP by ascending, descending, and parabolic modifications of the wall ZP at the midlength of the microchannel. Results show that flow volume rate increases by microchannel width from 4 mm3/s to 6.5 mm3/s in best condition.

Automated summary

This paper numerically simulates the electroosmotic flow inside a microchannel with non-uniform Zeta potential (ZP), showing that the flow rate can be controlled by modifying the distribution of surface charge. Results demonstrate that the flow rate changes through ascending, descending, and parabolic modifications of the wall Zeta potential at the midlength of the microchannel.