Overlimiting Current in a Microchannel
Author(s)
Rubinstein, Isaak; Dydek, E. Victoria; Zaltzman, Boris; Deng, Daosheng; Mani, Ali; Bazant, Martin Z.; ... Show more Show less
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We revisit the classical problem of diffusion-limited ion transport to a membrane (or electrode) by considering the effects of charged sidewalls. Using simple mathematical models and numerical simulations, we identify three basic mechanisms for overlimiting current in a microchannel: (i) surface conduction carried by excess counterions, which dominates for very thin channels, (ii) convection by electro-osmotic flow on the sidewalls, which dominates for thicker channels, and (iii) transitions to electro-osmotic instability on the membrane end in very thick channels. These intriguing electrokinetic phenomena may find applications in biological separations, water desalination, and electrochemical energy storage.
Date issued
2011-09Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of MathematicsJournal
Physical Review Letters
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Citation
Dydek, E. et al. “Overlimiting Current in a Microchannel.” Physical Review Letters 107.11 (2011): n. pag. Web. 27 Jan. 2012. © 2011 American Physical Society
Version: Final published version
ISSN
0031-9007
1079-7114