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On-Chip Electrokinetic Micropumping for Nanoparticle Impact Electrochemistry
Lennart J K Weiß1, Emir Music1, Philipp Rinklin1
1Neuroelectronics - Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstrasse 11, Garching 85748, Germany.
Analytical Chemistry
|July 28, 2022
Summary
Electrokinetic transport influences nanoparticle impacts at electrode surfaces. This study demonstrates a potential-dependent micropumping effect, showing controlled on-chip particle manipulation is possible for enhanced sensing.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Nanoparticle Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Single-entity electrochemistry enables nanoparticle-liquid interface studies.
- Faradaic processes in electrolytes can induce electrokinetic transport.
- Understanding transport phenomena is crucial for impact-based sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of electrokinetic transport on nanoparticle impacts.
- To explore potential-dependent micropumping effects at the microelectrode array.
- To analyze the role of electrolyte composition in nanoparticle transport.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of an electrode array with a macroscopic electrode and microelectrodes.
- Modulation of global electrokinetic transport via macroelectrode potential adjustment.
- Concomitant recording of silver nanoparticle impacts at microelectrodes.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of a potential-dependent micropumping effect influencing nanoparticle impact rates.
- Highest impact rates observed at negative macroelectrode potentials in alkaline solutions.
- Positive potentials also increased particle impacts due to pumping direction reversal.
Conclusions:
- Controlled on-chip micropumping is achievable using electrokinetic transport.
- Electrolyte composition significantly affects macroelectrode processes and transport.
- Electro- and diffusiokinetic transport offer potential for enhanced impact-based sensing applications.

