Ion concentration polarization near microchannel–nanochannel interfaces: Effect of pH value

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the pH value on the ion concentration polarization phenomenon and the nonlinear current-voltage characteristics of a hybrid soda-lime glass micro/nanochannel for a constant KCl salt concentration of about 1 mM. The experimental results show that the electrical conductance of the nanochannel in the Ohmic regime and the critical threshold voltage of the limiting current are both dependent on the pH value of the salt solution when the electrical double layer thickness is considerable in the nanochannel. Specifically, the nanochannel conductance increases and the critical threshold voltage for the limiting current decreases as the pH value is increased. It also suggests that a higher pH value induces a higher surface charge density on the nanochannel walls, and therefore increases both the ionic conductance and the counter-ion flux within the nanochannel.