Study of Pulse Voltage Waveform Enabled Electroosmotic Pump for High Flow Rate and Bubble Free Purpose

We demonstrate a non-gassing electroosmotic pump (EOP) consisted of an electroosmotic unit, two O-ring, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) housings. The electroosmotic unit was fabricated from a track-etched polycarbonate (PC) membrane connected with two identical Pt/Ti mesh electrodes. Direct current voltage (DCV) or pulse waveform voltage (PWV) were used separately to drive this EOP. When a DCV was applied, the flow rate of the EOP first decreased rapidly in about 10 seconds and then became stable. Capitalize on this point, the driving mode of PWV could pump more volume of fluid in the same driving time. In addition, this driving mode will also delay the onset of gas generation, compared with the driving mode of DCV. The technique should be a clear guidance to develop a robust electroosmotic pump for stable and long time running.