Strategies on improving the micro-fluidic devices using the nonlinear electro- and thermo-kinetic phenomena

•We will briefly review our strategies on improving the micro-fluidic devices using the nonlinear electro- and thermo-kinetic phenomena•In particular, we will review the microfluidic applications using induced-charge electro-osmosis (ICEO).•Further, we will also review the correction based on the ion-conserving Poisson-Boltzmann theory and the direct simulation on ICEO.•In addition, we will briefly review the new horizon such as nonlinear thermokinetic phenomena and the artificial cilia.

Surface science is key to innovations on microfluidics, smart materials, and future non-equilibrium systems. However, challenging issues still exist in this field. In this article, from the viewpoint of the fundamental design, we will briefly review our strategies on improving the micro-fluidic devices using the nonlinear electro- and thermo-kinetic phenomena. In particular, we will review the microfluidic applications using ICEO, the correction based on the ion-conserving Poisson–Boltzmann theory, the direct simulation on ICEO, and the new horizon such as nonlinear thermo-kinetic phenomena and the artificial cilia.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide