Definition
Concentration polarization (CP) is a complex phenomenon observed at the interfaces of micro/nanofluidic devices due to the formation of significant concentration gradients in the electrolyte solution resulting in accumulation and depletion of ions near the interfaces.
This chapter provides an overview of the underlying theory and physics that is predominantly observed on the integration of microfluidic channels with nanofluidic devices. Nonlinear electrokinetic transport and concentration polarization phenomenon are discussed in detail along with recent advancements in utilizing this phenomenon for designing novel devices.
Electrical Double Layer (EDL) and Electroosmotic Flow
A solid in contact with an aqueous solution acquires a surface charge \( ({\sigma_s}) \)due to the dissociation of ionizable groups on the solid walls. The fixed surface charge on the solid surface in...
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Nandigana, V.V.R., Aluru, N.R. (2012). Concentration Polarization at Micro/Nanofluidic Interfaces. In: Bhushan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9751-4_412
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9751-4_412
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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