Effect of field-focusing and ion selectivity on the extended space charge developed at the microchannel-nanochannel interface

J Phys Condens Matter. 2016 Aug 17;28(32):324002. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/28/32/324002. Epub 2016 Jun 21.

Abstract

We present results demonstrating the effect of varying microchannel depth and bulk conductivity on the space charge-mediated transition between classical, diffusion-limited current and over-limiting current in microchannel-nanochannel devices. The extended space charge layer develops at the depleted microchannel-nanochannel entrance when the limiting current is exceeded and is correlated with a distinctive maximum in the dc resistance. This maximum is shown to be affected by the microchannel depth, via field-focusing, and solution conductivity. In particular, we observe that upon their increase, the maximum becomes flatter and shifts to higher voltages.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't