Short communication: A simple and accurate method of measuring the zeta-potential of microfluidic channels

Abstract

We describe an improved method for determining the electroosmotic mobility and zeta potential of surfaces based on a current-monitoring method. This technique eliminates the requirement for measurements of channel dimensions and sample conductivities, leading to a simple high precision measurement. The zeta potential of PDMS is measured for native surfaces and surfaces treated with a nonionic surfactant in low-conductivity electrolytes.

Keywords: PDMS; current-monitoring method; electroosmosis; zeta-potential.