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Title: A perturbation solution to the full Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations yields an asymmetric rectified electric field
We derive a perturbation solution to the one-dimensional Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) equations between parallel electrodes under oscillatory polarization for arbitrary ionic mobilities and valences. Treating the applied potential as the perturbation parameter, we show that the second-order solution yields a nonzero time-average electric field at large distances from the electrodes, corroborating the recent discovery of Asymmetric Rectified Electric Fields (AREFs) via numerical solution to the full nonlinear PNP equations [Hashemi Amrei et al. , Phys. Rev. Lett. , 2018, 121 , 185504]. Importantly, the first-order solution is analytic, while the second-order AREF is semi-analytic and obtained by numerically solving a single linear ordinary differential equation, obviating the need for full numerical solutions to the PNP equations. We demonstrate that at sufficiently high frequencies and electrode spacings the semi-analytical AREF accurately captures both the complicated shape and the magnitude of the AREF, even at large applied potentials.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1664679
PAR ID:
10227210
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Soft Matter
Volume:
16
Issue:
30
ISSN:
1744-683X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
7052 to 7062
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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