Current reversal of active particles in channel with time-oscillating boundaries

Abstract

Directed transport of active particles in a two-dimensional asymmetrical periodic channel with time-oscillating boundaries is numerically investigated. It is found that the oscillation of the channel boundaries and the self-propulsion of active particles are two different types of non-equilibrium driving that can induce directional transport, the competition between the both determine the direction of the transport. Remarkably, for a given asymmetric parameter of the channel, the average velocity can change direction twice on changing the oscillating frequency due to the competition of the oscillation of the channel boundaries and the self-propulsion. Additionally, we find that the particles with different self-propulsion velocities or rotational diffusion coefficients will move in opposite direction and can be separated.