Fast nonlinear ion transport via field-induced hydrodynamic slip in sub-20-nm hydrophilic nanofluidic transistors.
Electrolyte transport through an array of 20 nm wide, 20 microm long SiO(2) nanofluidic transistors is described. At sufficiently low ionic strength, the Debye screening length exceeds the channel width, and ion transport is limited by the negatively charged channel surfaces. At source-drain biases >5 V, the current exhibits a sharp, nonlinear increase, with a 20-50-fold conductance enhancement. This behavior is attributed to a breakdown of the zero-slip condition. Implications for energy conversion devices are discussed.
Vermesh
Udi
U
The Kavli Nanoscience Institute and Division of Engineering and Applied Science, Bioengineering, Caltech, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.
Choi
Jang Wook
JW
Vermesh
Ophir
O
Fan
Rong
R
Nagarah
John
J
Heath
James R
JR