Analysis of electroosmotic flow with periodic electric and pressure fields via the lattice Poisson–Boltzmann method

This paper analyzes the electroosmotic flow fields in heterogeneous microchannels by applying the lattice Poisson–Boltzmann equation. The influences of surface potential, ionic molar concentration, channel height, and driving force fields on fluid velocity are discussed in detail. A scheme for producing vortexes in a straight channel by adjusting the heterogeneous surface potentials and phase angles of the periodic driving force fields is introduced. By distributing the heterogeneous surface potentials at particular positions, we can create vortexes near walls or in the center of the channel. The size, strength, and rotational direction of vortexes are further variable by introducing appropriate phase angles for a single driving force field or for the phase differences between combined driving force fields, such as electric/pressure fields. These obstacle-like vortexes perturb fluids and hinder flow, and thus, may be useful for enhancing micromixer performance.