Irreversible charging caused by energy dissipation from depinning of droplets on polymer surfaces

TL;DR

This paper reveals a new irreversible charging mechanism caused by energy dissipation during droplet depinning on polymer surfaces, which could impact energy harvesting and electrostatic risk management.

Contribution

It uncovers a novel electrification process during droplet wetting, contrasting with known dewetting mechanisms, advancing understanding of liquid-solid interfacial phenomena.

Findings

Interfacial energy dissipation leads to irreversible charge buildup.

Charge increases during droplet surface wetting, not dewetting.

Implications for energy harvesting and electrostatic risk mitigation.

Abstract

Interfacial energy dissipation during stick-slip motion of a liquid drop on a non-conductive polymer substrate is shown to lead to an irreversible increase in electrical charge. This previously unobserved phenomenon occurs during surface wetting, in contrast to the previously reported charge separation mechanism that occurs during dewetting. Understanding this electrification mechanism will facilitate the design of energy harvesters and aid the development of risk mitigation strategies for electrostatic buildup in liquid flow across a wide range of industrial applications.