Nanoparticles Trapping from Flue Gas Using Dielectrophoresis

The paper first presents a mathematical model which describes the effect of dielectrophoretic forces on the nanoparticles suspended in gaseous environment, together with a set of numerical results obtained in the frame of this model. Next, an experimental microfluidic device with interdigitated bar electrodes for retaining of nanometric particles from combustion gases under dielectrophoresis is described. The particles deposited on the electrodes of the experimental device are analysed using a reflection metallographic microscope with CCD camera together with a data analysis system. The experimental results are analysed in terms of a new trapping parameter, named as Filtration. Finally, a comparison between the theoretical results provided by numerical simulations and the experimental results on the deposition of nanoparticles on electrodes is given. The comparison demonstrates a good agreement between the two types of results.