Molecular dynamics simulation for the impact of external electric fields on CaCl₂ aqueous solution

Abstract

Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics(MD) simulations were performed according to the electronic anti-fouling technology, and some structural parameters and dynamic parameters of CaCl₂ aqueous solution were taken as indicators to compare the different effect on the anti-fouling performance by applying different electric fields. The results show that electric fields can effectively decrease the viscosity of CaCl₂ aqueous solution and enhance the ionic activity by enlarging the self-diffusion coefficient. In addition, with the same electric field strength, the electrostatic field is more effective at decreasing the viscosity of CaCl₂ aqueous solution and increasing the self-diffusion coefficient of water molecules, while the alternating electric field is more effective at increasing the self-diffusion coefficient of Ca²⁺. Furthermore, an alternating electric field with different frequencies was applied; the results show that an 800 kHz frequency is most effective to decrease the viscosity, and a 700 kHz frequency is most effective to enhance the self-diffusion coefficient of water molecule. Otherwise, 400 kHz is most effective to enhance the self-diffusion coefficient of Ca²⁺. Additionally, by studying the change of structure parameters, it was concluded that an external electric field can enhance the hydration between Ca²⁺ and coordinated water molecules, and the alternating electric field is more effective in this respect.