Possibility of obtaining two orders of magnitude larger electrokinetic streaming potentials, through liquid infiltrated surfaces

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to significantly increase electrokinetic streaming potentials by using textured, liquid-filled surfaces with low viscosity oils, supported by experiments and simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using textured, liquid-filled surfaces to amplify electrokinetic potentials, combining experimental and computational analysis.

Findings

Electrokinetic potential increased from ~0.02 V to ~1.6 V.

Fluid slip length is inversely proportional to oil viscosity.

Enhanced slip and charge density contribute to potential amplification.

Abstract

A methodology for substantially increasing the magnitude of the electrokinetic streaming potential (Vs) from ~ 0.02 V to as large as ~ 1.6 V is proposed. This is done through deploying textured, liquid-filled surfaces (LFS), filled with low viscosity oils, for electrolyte flow. The charge density at the electrolyte-oil interface as well as the enhanced slip may be responsible for enhancement of the Vs. It was found, through experimental analysis as well as computational simulations, that the fluid slip length was inversely proportional to the filling oil viscosity, and influences the Vs. The study provides new perspectives related to complex electrolyte flow conditions as may be relevant for energy harvesting applications.