Nanovortex-based Nanofluidic Mixer

Nanovortices are like tiny tornadoes. The flow patterns above show that we can induce nanovortices by applying electric fields across nanoscale saltwater interfaces. We use mathematical modeling to depict these flows and understand the interface effects that produce them. We could use this capability to create mixers that catalyze reactions or concentrators that accumulate materials of interest. These findings also develop our understanding of nanoscale fluid modeling and transport effects in physiological conditions. We published this research in the Journal of Physical Chemistry A with the paper available here.