In this research, we designed a high flow rate electro-osmotic pump. An Electro-osmotic Flow (EOF) is generated by the movement of the charge in the electric double-layer under the influence of the external electric field. As the channel becomes narrow, the flow speed increases. The flow rate, meanwhile, decreases owing to the reduction of the cross-sectional area. However, if two or more channels are placed parallel, the flow speed will decrease. Therefore, it is possible to build a pump with a high flow rate by placing small channels parallel.

References :

Haruki Chujo, Kiyoshi Matsumoto, Isao Shimoyama, “A High Flow Rate Electro-Osmotic Pump with Small Channels in Parallel,” 16th IEEE International Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Conference (MEMS '03), pp. 351-354, Kyoto, Japan, Jan. 19-23, 2003. [Proceedings]