Zeta potential determination with a microchannel fabricated in solidified solvents

Abstract

This paper proposes a simple and versatile method for the determination of the zeta potential of a channel wall and discusses the values measured for the surface of frozen solvents, which are not only of scientific interest but also of potential use for microfluidic platforms. The zeta potential of the solid surface is an important parameter for discussing its electrokinetic properties, the distribution and reaction of ions in an electric double layer, and the fluidic behavior in the space surrounded by the surface. While the zeta potential of colloidal matters can be determined from their electrophoretic mobility, it is often difficult to determine that of a bulk material. In this paper, the zeta potential of a microchannel fabricated in a frozen solvent is determined by measuring the apparent mobility of microparticles as the probe. The electrophoretic mobility of the microparticles has been measured in advance using microchip electrophoresis under various conditions. This approach allows us to determine the zeta potential of water-ice and frozen cyclohexane. We discuss the pH dependence of the zeta potential of ice and also effects of the NaCl concentration on that of ice and frozen cyclohexane.