Manipulation and Separation of Particles of Metal Oxides by Dielectrophoresis

摘要

With the development of nanotechnology,the separation and manipulation of micro-nano-particles have become a research focus in the field of nano-materials.Dielectrophoresis(DEP) is a non-contact technology for the separation and manipulation of micro-nano-particles.Here is reported the design and fabrication of a DEP based microchip with microelectrode arrays for capturing micro-particles of inorganic oxides in petroleum.The DEP behavior of micro-particles of inorganic oxides in oil media was explored via this microchip.The microchip shows relatively a good DEP response to inorganic oxides in oil media.Furthermore,much more factors were explored such as frequency (Hz),and particle size(μm),as well as metal valence.As a conclusion,the best frequency is 50 Hz.It is expected to capture particles with different sizes or separate different oxide particles by regulating DEP conditions. Thus,a new method could be established for the separation and purification particles of different oxides,as well as the separation and manipulation of an oxide with different particle sizes.