Mathematical and computational modeling of electrohydrodynamics through a nanochannel

Abstract

Fluid-ion transport through a nanochannel is studied to understand the role and impact of different physical phenomena and medium properties on the flow. Mathematically, the system is described through coupled fourth order Poisson–Nernst–Planck–Bikerman and Navier–Stokes equations. The fourth order-Poisson–Nernst–Planck–Bikerman model accounts for ionic and nonionic interactions between particles, the effect of finite size of the particles, polarization of the medium, solvation of the ions, etc. Navier–Stokes equations are modified accordingly to include both electroviscous and viscoelectric effects and the velocity slip. The governing equations are discretized using the lattice Boltzmann method. The mathematical model is validated by comparing the analytical and experimental ion activity while the numerical model is validated by comparing the analytical and numerical velocity profiles for electro-osmotic flow through a microchannel. For a pressure driven flow, the electroviscous and viscoelectric effects decrease the fluid velocity while the velocity slip enhances it. The acidity of the medium also influences the fluid velocity by altering the ζ potential and ion concentration. The finite size of the particle limits the concentration of ionic species, thus, reducing electroviscous effects. As the external concentration decreases, the impact of finite size of particles also reduces. The inhomogeneous diffusion coefficient also influences electroviscous effects as it changes the concentration distribution. The variation in external pressure does not influence the impact of steric and viscoelectric effects significantly. The maximum impact is observed for ΔP = 0 (electro-osmotic flow).