Electrokinetic transport phenomena in nanofluidics

Abstract

Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in understanding transport phenomena within nanochannels. Due to the dimensional overlap with the electrical double layer in nanochannels, the electrokinetic behavior in these systems has demonstrated several unconventional characteristics, demonstrating great potential in the fields of materials science and chemistry. This review first introduces the fundamental principles of lower limits and electrokinetics in nanochannels. Next, various techniques for constructing nanochannels are discussed to provide guidance for selecting the proper fabrication methods based on the specific characteristics of the nanochannels. Then, the electrochemical and fluorescence detection methods for electrodynamic phenomena in nanochannels are systematically summarized. Finally, relevant current challenges are briefly addressed to provide inspiring suggestions for further studies and exploration in the nanofluidic electrochemical kinetics.