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arXiv · 1809.05213

Dielectric modulation of ion transport near interfaces

Hanne S. Antila·Erik Luijten
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Abstract

Ion mobility and ionic conductance in nanodevices are known to deviate from bulk behavior, a phenomenon often attributed to surface effects. We demonstrate that dielectric mismatch between the electrolyte and the surface can qualitatively alter ionic transport in a counterintuitive manner. Instead of following the polarization-induced modulation of the concentration profile, mobility is enhanced or reduced by changes in the ionic atmosphere near the interface and affected by a polarization force parallel to the surface. In addition to revealing this mechanism, we explore the effect of salt concentration and electrostatic coupling.

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Hanne S. Antila, Erik Luijten. 2018-09-14. Dielectric modulation of ion transport near interfaces. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.120.135501

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