Double-Layer Polarization of a Non-Conducting Particle in an Alternating Current Field with Applications to Dielectrophoresis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2011

Publication Title

Electrophoresis

Volume

32

Issue

17

First page number:

2232

Last page number:

2244

Abstract

Dielectrophoresis is becoming one of the most important techniques in particle manipulation including particle separation, particle assembly, and biomolecule characterization. Understanding dielectrophoretic properties of particles is a key step toward effective and efficient particle manipulation. Theoretical studies of polarization of a particle can help to understand experimental observations and also go beyond to develop a predictive theory to guide the experimental design. This article discusses recent theoretical advances in the polarization of a dielectric particle, in particular, the polarization of the electric double layer. The double-layer polarization is critical to determine particle dynamics in dielectrophoresis. The dipole moment characterizing the strength of this polarization depends on the double-layer thickness, the electric field frequency, the particle's surface charge, and other surface's properties (Pohl, H. A., Dielectrophoresis, Cambridge University Press, New York 1978). After a brief review of the mathematical model, the focus is on the following problems: (i) the polarization of a spherical particle; (ii) the polarization of an elongated cylindrical particle; (iii) the effect of the slip on the polarization of a particle. The double-layer polarization is examined here in the context of high-frequency and low-frequency dispersions induced by surface conduction and diffusion, respectively.

Keywords

Biomolecules; Dielectrophoresis; Electric double layer; Nanoparticles; Polarization (Electricity)

Disciplines

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics | Electrical and Computer Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Language

English

Permissions

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