Characterization of depletion layer formation using self-assembled nanoparticles in microchannels

In this study, we propose a novel technique for fine control of self-assembly of nanoparticles in microchannel and use it as an ion-selective membrane. In order to characterize the electrokinetic phenomena at the interface between the assembled membrane and microchannel, the ion depletion layer formation according to the changes of geometry of microchannels, and size and materials in nanoparticles was investigated. This study suggests that nanoscale electrokinetics can be easily tuned by the control of nanoparticle assembly in microchannel.