On the dielectrophoretic particle retention in porous media

Abstract

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a very suitable particle manipulation technique that is able to solve a range of separation problems because it is label-free, very sensitive and, if applied correctly, highly selective towards a specific target particle. DEP has mostly been researched and applied (bio-)analytical chemistry to solve separation problems on lab-on-a-chip devices at uL/min throughputs, which makes it incompatible for industrial scale processes. This thesis investigates a high-throughput method, DEP filtration, which is particle retention due to DEP in porous media. Particle retention dynamics in model porous media are scrutinized using simulative and experimental methods. Particle movement in transparent microchannels gives first-hand insight into DEP trapping dynamics. The results presented pave the way toward actual high-throughput DEP filtration that could tackle important separation problems, such as the separation of metal from scrap in recycling.