AC electrokinetic manipulation of selenium nanoparticles for potential nanosensor applications

We report the AC electrokinetic behavior of selenium (Se) nanoparticles for electrical characterization and possible application as micro/nano devices. selenium Se nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a reverse-microemulsion process and investigated structurally using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. Interdigitated castellated ITO and non-castellated platinum electrodes were employed for manipulation of suspended materials in the fluid. Using ITO electrodes at low frequency limits resulted in deposition of Se particles on electrode surface. When Se particles exposed to platinum electrodes in the 10 Hz–1 kHz range and V p−p> 8, AC osmotic fluid flow repulses the particles from electrode edges. However, in 10 kHz–10 MHz range and V p−p> 5, dielectrophoretic force attracts the particles to electrode edges. As the Se particle concentration increased, the trapped Se particles were aligned along the electric field line and bridged the electrode gap. The device was characterized and can potentially be useful in making micro/nano electronic devices.

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► Se nanoparticles were synthesized using a reverse-microemulsion process.
► AC osmotic fluid flow repulses the particles from electrode edges.
► Dielectrophoretic force attracts the particles to electrode edges.
► Dielectrophoresis electrode showed non-ohmic behavior.
► The device can potentially be used as a nanosensor.