Possibility of obtaining two orders of magnitude larger electrokinetic streaming potentials, through liquid infiltrated surfaces

A methodology for substantially increasing the magnitude of the electrokinetic streaming potential (Vs) from ~ 0.02 V to as large as ~ 1.6 V is proposed. This is done through deploying textured, liquid-filled surfaces (LFS), filled with low viscosity oils, for electrolyte flow. The charge density at the electrolyte-oil interface as well as the enhanced slip may be responsible for enhancement of the Vs. It was found, through experimental analysis as well as computational simulations, that the fluid slip length was inversely proportional to the filling oil viscosity, and influences the Vs. The study provides new perspectives related to complex electrolyte flow conditions as may be relevant for energy harvesting applications.