Electroosmotic flow in graphene nanochannels considering steric effects

Abstract

Graphene nanochannels are excellent channels for electroosmotic flow (EOF) due to their larger slip length. In this study, the fully developed EOF in graphene nanochannels is investigated numerically, where the influence of surface charge mobility on the Navier-slip boundary conditions and the influence of steric effect on the electric potential distribution are considered. In addition, an analytical solution is provided for the scenario with low zeta potential. Detailed investigations are conducted on the impact of slip length, surface charge density, surface charge mobility, effective ion size, solution concentration, and channel height on velocity profiles. The findings indicate that the velocity increases with slip length, surface charge density, and effective ion size. Yet, accounting for surface charge mobility (αs = 0.815) leads to a reduction in slip velocity. It is noteworthy that our investigation focuses on quantifying the velocity decline due to surface charge mobility, as well as the velocity enhancement resulting from the steric effect. By adjusting parameters, such as channel height, bare slip length, and solution concentration, we achieve a maximum velocity increase of approximately 48%. These insights are valuable for optimizing the design of efficient electro-osmotic pumping systems.