pH-Wave Propagation in the Microchannel Modified with pH-Responsive Molecule

摘要

We have successfully induced pH wave propagation in microchannel by using a mixed reaction solution containing Na2S2O3, KBrO3, and NaOH. The use of microchannel with different channel width made clear that the narrower channel enabled faster pH wave propagation. The observed acceleration effect was discussed in terms of proton diffusion confinement in the microchannel, which would lead an increase in apparent proton production rate. Furthermore, we have succeeded in the generation of waves of structural change of molecules immobilized on the microchannel wall by the pH wave propagation, which enables us to design future micro-devices that can work autonomously without external biases. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2012.50]