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Modeling of Ion Transport for Micro/Nano Size Particles in Coulter Counter Application

Qin, Zhenpeng
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1240858653

Abstract Details

2009, Master of Science, University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering.
Coulter Counter (CC) is a device for counting small particles by recording the electrical current change during the translocation of the particle through a small pore. By counting the number of pulses in the measured current signal, the number of particles in the solution can be determined. The size and translocation time can also be deducted from the magnitude and duration of the pulses. In order to produce measurable current change, only particles of comparable sizes with the pore can be characterized, however. With rapid development of present micro/nano-fabrication technologies, CC is now widely used to characterize various micro/nano size particles, including small molecules, proteins, and even DNA. This thesis presents an electrical model and a comprehensive multi-physical model of ion transport in CC. The electrical model represents the classical theory of CC. From this model, the off-center effect and particle shape effect were further explored for which analytical results are not available. The multi-physical model involves a coupled system of the Navier-Stokes equation for flow field, the Nernst-Planck equation for electrolyte ion transport, and the Poisson equation for electrical field. The model is used to simulate the electrolyte flow with a surface charged particle in a nano-channel, representing the core part of CC. 2D axial symmetric system is used to reduce the computational time. The model predicts the flow and electric fields as well as the distribution of the ion concentrations in the channel. The effects on electric current through the channel are then investigated by systematically varying the particle surface charge, size, and electrolyte concentration. The Electrical Double Layer polarization under electrical and pressure fields was also investigated. Different patterns of polarization were found and compared.
Guo-Xiang Wang (Advisor)
81 p.
Mechanical Engineering
Coulter Counter; Resistive Pulse Sensor; Ion transport; Multi-physical simulation; Electrical Double Layer; Ionic current

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Citations

  • Qin, Z. (2009). Modeling of Ion Transport for Micro/Nano Size Particles in Coulter Counter Application [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1240858653

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Qin, Zhenpeng. Modeling of Ion Transport for Micro/Nano Size Particles in Coulter Counter Application. 2009. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1240858653.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Qin, Zhenpeng. "Modeling of Ion Transport for Micro/Nano Size Particles in Coulter Counter Application." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1240858653

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.