Electrokinetic pumping

摘要

The invention provides a method of changing the electrode-based pumping parameters of a liquid, the method comprising (a) selecting a pumping additive based on the pumping pressure, pumping flow rate and electrical efficiency exhibited by the additive, and (b) mixing the pumping additive with the liquid to obtain a mixture having either (i) improved pumping pressure, pumping flow rate or electrical efficiency, or (ii) having a preference for pumping in a direction opposite that of the liquid, in the absence of pumping additive. In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a method of modifying a substantially non-pumping liquid to a liquid that can be pumped with an electrode-based pump.