Electrohydromechanical analysis based on conductivity gradient in microchannel

Fluid manipulation is very important in any lab-on-a-chip system. This paper analyses phenomena which use the alternating current （AC） electric field to deflect and manipulate coflowing streams of two different electrolytes （with conductivity gradient） within a microfluidic channel. The basic theory of the electrohydrodynamics and simulation of the analytical model are used to explain the phenomena. The velocity induced for different voltages and conductivity gradient are computed. The results show that when the AC electrical signal is applied on the electrodes, the fluid with higher conductivity occupies a larger region of the channel and the interface of the two fluids is deflected. It will provide some basic reference for people who want to do more study in the control of different fluids with conductivity gradient in a microfluidic channel.

Kinetics process for structure-engineered integrated gradient porous paper-based supercapacitors with boosted electrochemical performance

Due to their rich and adjustable porous network structure,paper-based functional materials have become a research hotspot in the field of energy storage.However,reasonably designing and making full use of the rich pore structure of paper-based materials to improve the electrochemical performance of paper-based energy storage devices still faces many challenges.Herein,we propose a structure engineering technique to develop a conductive integrated gradient porous paper-based(CIGPP)supercapacitor,and the kinetics process for the influence of gradient holes on the electrochemical performance of the CIGPP is investigated through experimental tests and COMSOL simulations.All results indicate that the gradient holes endow the CIGPP with an enhanced electrochemical performance.Specifically,the CIGPP shows a significant improvement in the specific capacitance,displays rich frequency response characteristics for electrolyte ions,and exhibits a good rate performance.Also,the CIGPP supercapacitor exhibits a low self-discharge and maintains a stable electrochemical performance in different electrolyte environments because of gradient holes.More importantly,when the CIGPP is used as a substrate to fabricate a CIGPP-PANI hybrid,it still maintains good electrochemical properties.In addition,the CIGPP supercapacitor also shows excellent stability and sensitivity for monitoring human motion and deaf-mute voicing,showing potential application prospects.This study provides a reference and feasible way for the design of structure-engineered integrated paper-based energy storage devices with outstanding comprehensive electrochemical performance.

Heat transfer of nanofluidics in hydrophilic pores: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations

Nanofluidics in hydrophilic nanopores is a common issue in many natural and industrial processes. Among all,the mass transport of nanofluidics is most concerned. Besides that, the heat transfer of a fluid flow in nano or micro channels is always considered with adding nanoparticles into the flow, so as to enhance the heat transfer by convection between the fluid and the surface. However, for some applications with around 1 nm channels such as nano filtration or erosion of rocks, there should be no nanoparticles included. Hence, it is necessary to figure out the heat transfer mechanism in the single phase nanofluidics. Via non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, we revealed the heat transfer inside nanofluidics and the one between fluid and walls by setting simulation into extremely harsh condition. It was found that the heat was conducted by molecular motion without temperature gradient in the area of low viscous heat, while it was transferred to the walls by increasing the temperature of fluids. If the condition back to normal, it was found that the viscous heat of nanofluidics could be easily removed by the fluid-wall temperature drop of less than 1 K.