Enhanced transport into and out of dead-end pores

Abhishek Kar, Tso Yi Chiang, Isamar Ortiz Rivera, Ayusman Sen, Darrell Velegol

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

163 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dead-end micro- and nanoscale channels are ubiquitous in nature and are found in geological and biological systems subject to frequent disruptions. Achieving fluid flows in them is not possible through conventional pressure-driven mechanisms. Here we show that chemically driven convective flows leading to transport in and out of dead-end pores can occur by the phenomenon of "transient diffusioosmosis". The advective velocity depends on the presence of an in situ-generated transient ion gradient and the intrinsic charge on the pore wall. The flows can reach speeds of 50 μm/s and cause extraction of otherwise-trapped materials. Our results illustrate that chemical energy, in the form of a transient salt gradient, can be transduced into mechanical motion with the pore wall acting as the pump. As discussed, the phenomena may underlie observed transport in many geological and biological systems involving tight or dead-end micro- and nanochannels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)746-753
Number of pages8
JournalACS nano
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 27 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Materials Science
  • General Engineering
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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