Electro-osmosis on modified (mosaic) solid surfaces

Abstract

A theory of electro-osmosis on energetically (electrically) inhomogeneous (neutral as a whole) dielectric substrates is developed. An exact formulation of the problem of the electric flow of a wetting film of electrolyte along a mosaic (electrically heterogeneous) surface of a solid is given. The electric field strength and potential distribution in the system are found for steady-state conditions. General expressions are obtained for the disjoining and hydrostatic pressure in the film, the hydrodynamic velocity field and the equation of the film profile. Criteria for the transition from a continuous to a mosaic structure are established.