Sample dispersion in isotachophoresis with Poiseuille counterflow

A particular mode of isotachophoresis (ITP) employs a pressure-driven flow opposite to the sample electromigration direction in order to anchor a sample zone at a specific position along a channel or capillary. We investigate this situation using a two-dimensional finite-volume model based on the Nernst-Planck equation. The imposed Poiseuille flow profile leads to a significant dispersion of the sample zone. This effect is detrimental for the resolution in analytical applications of ITP. We investigate the impact of convective dispersion, characterized by the area-averaged width of a sample zone, for various values of the sample P\'{e}clet-number, as well as the relative mobilities of the sample and the adjacent electrolytes. A one-dimensional model for the area-averaged concentrations based on a Taylor-Aris-type effective axial diffusivity is shown to yield good agreement with the finite-volume calculations. This justifies the use of such simple models and opens the door for the rapid simulation of ITP protocols with Poiseuille counterflow

Transport of Analytes under Mixed Electroosmotic and Pressure Driven Flow of Power Law Fluid

In this study, we have analyzed the transport of analytes under a two dimensional steady incompressible flow of power-law fluids through rectangular nanochannel. A mathematical model based on the Cauchy momentum-Nernst-Planck-Poisson equations is considered to study the combined effect of mixed electroosmotic (EO) and pressure driven (PD) flow. The coupled governing equations are solved numerically by finite volume method. We have studied extensively the effect of key parameters, e.g., flow behavior index, concentration of the electrolyte, surface potential, imposed pressure gradient and imposed electric field strength on the net average flow across the channel. In addition to study the effect of mixed EOF and PD on the analyte distribution across the channel, we consider a nonlinear model based on general convective-diffusion-electromigration equation. We have also presented the retention factor for various values of electrolyte concentration and flow behavior index

Effect of induced electric field on migration of a charged porous particle

The effect of ambient fluid flow on a charged porous spherical particle suspended in an aqueous medium is analyzed. The porous particle is ion permeable and fluid penetrable. The induced electric field due to the polarization of the particle’s electric double layer and counterion condensation leads to a hindrance effect on particle migration by producing an electric force. The influence of this retardation force on the hydrodynamics of the particle is studied through the Nernst-Planck equations, which are coupled with the Stokes-Brinkman equation. The interactions of the double-layer polarization, shielding effect, electroosmosis of unbalanced ions and fluid convection are analyzed. The settling velocity and fluid collection efficiency of the charged aggregate is determined. We have studied the electrokinetics for a wide range of fixed charge density and permeability of the particle with no assumption made on the thickness of the double layer relative to the dimension of the particle