Hypothesis: Symmetry breaking in an electric field-driven active particle system can be induced by applying a
spatially uniform, but temporally non-uniform, alternating current (AC) signal. Regardless of the type of particles
exposed to sawtooth AC signals, the unevenly induced polarization of the ionic charge layer leads to a major
electrohydrodynamic effect of active propulsion, termed Asymmetric Field Electrophoresis (AFEP).
Experiments: Suspensions containing latex microspheres of three sizes, as well as Janus and metal-coated particles
were subjected to sawtooth AC signals of varying voltages, frequencies, and time asymmetries. Particle tracking
via microscopy was used to analyze their motility as a function of the key parameters.
Findings: The particles exhibit field-colinear active propulsion, and the temporal reversal of the AC signal results
in a reversal of their direction of motion. The experimental velocity data as a function of field strength, frequency,
and signal asymmetry are supported by models of asymmetric ionic concentration-polarization. The
direction of particle migration exhibits a size-dependent crossover in the low frequency domain. This enables
new approaches for simple and efficient on-chip sorting. Combining AFEP with other AC motility mechanisms,
such as induced-charge electrophoresis, allows multiaxial control of particle motion and could enable development
of novel AC field-driven active microsystems.
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This content will become publicly available on May 22, 2025
The influence of frequency and gravity on the orientation of active metallo-dielectric Janus particles translating under a uniform applied alternating-current electric field
Theoretical and numerical models of active Janus particles commonly assume that the metallo-dielectric interface is parallel to the driving applied electric field. However, our experimental observations indicate that the equilibrium angle of orientation of electrokinetically driven Janus particles varies as a function of the frequency and voltage of the applied electric field. Here, we quantify the variation of the orientation with respect to the electric field and demonstrate that the equilibrium position represents the interplay between gravitational, electrostatic and electrohydrodynamic torques. The latter two categories are functions of the applied field (frequency, voltage) as well as the height of the particle above the substrate. Maximum departure from the alignment with the electric field occurs at low frequencies characteristic of induced-charge electrophoresis and at low voltages where gravity dominates the electrostatic and electrohydrodynamic torques. The departure of the interface from alignment with the electric field is shown to decrease particle mobility through comparison of freely suspended Janus particles subject only to electrical forcing and magnetized Janus particles in which magnetic torque is used to align the interface with the electric field. Consideration of the role of gravitational torque and particle–wall interactions could account for some discrepancies between theory, numerics and experiment in active matter systems.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2126479
- PAR ID:
- 10528149
- Publisher / Repository:
- Soft Matter
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Soft Matter
- Volume:
- 20
- Issue:
- 20
- ISSN:
- 1744-683X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 4143 to 4151
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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