Fluid flow induced by nonuniform ac electric fields in electrolytes on microelectrodes. I. Experimental measurements

Abstract

Under the influence of an ac electric field, electrolytes on planar microelectrodes exhibit fluid flow. The nonuniform electric field generated by the electrodes interacts with the suspending fluid through a number of mechanisms, giving rise to body forces and fluid flow. This paper presents the detailed experimental measurements of the velocity of fluid flow on microelectrodes at frequencies below the charge relaxation frequency of the electrolyte. The velocity of latex tracer particles was measured as a function of applied signal frequency and potential, electrolyte conductivity, and position on the electrode surface. The data are discussed in terms of a linear model of ac electroosmosis: the interaction of the nonuniform ac field and the induced electrical double layer.