Dielectrophoresis.
An electromechanical process where an electric field induces a dipole moment on conductive and non-conductive materials. This is especially evident in nanoparticles in a liquid matrix, such as graphene, that move due to this moment.
Typically, the particles move in 2 ways…
To create nacre mimetic nanostructures, I manufactured with dielectrophoresis.
I started by placing a silicon mold filled with a liquid graphene/epoxy resin mixture between two electrodes. Connecting the electrodes to a voltage source while the epoxy is still liquid causes all of the platelets to align in the direction of the electric field, simultaneously. Once the resin hardens, the graphene is frozen in place.
The dielectrophoretic process occurs over time, allowing for tailorability in nanostructure and resulting properties. Below are examples!
Randomly Aligned
Aligned (15 minutes)
Randomly aligned (0 minutes)
Aligned, dispersed (30 minutes)
Aligned Agglomerated (75 minutes)
Aligned Agglomerated (75 minutes)
Multiphysics Simulation
A complex COMSOL simulation demonstrates dielectrophoresis on a small scale. This problem involves fluid mechanics, electromechanics, and mechanics of materials.
Publications:
▪Kepreos, A., Hassan, S., Karpenko, O., Haq, M., “Improving Composite Tailorability through Architected Nacre Tablets.” Conference Proceedings, ASC 2024.