Non-equilibrium electrokinetic micro/nano fluidic mixer

We propose a new type of micro/nano fluidic mixer based on non-equilibrium electrokinetics and demonstrate its mixing performance. We fabricate the device with two-step reactive ion etching, one for nanochannels and one for microchannels. Mixing is achieved by strong vortex structures formed near the micro/nano channel interface. We expect the proposed device to be beneficial in the development of micro total analysis systems, since it is simple in its design with minimal fabrication complications.