High frequency AC electrosprays: Mechanisms and applications

Abstract

We have recently discovered a new electrospray phenomenon using high frequency AC electric fields beyond 10 kHz which behaves very distinctly from its DC electrospray counterpart. Experimental and theoretical findings have demonstrated that plasma charging plays a significant role in the electrohydrodynamically-driven interfacial dynamics of the electrospray. These findings show that Faradaic generation of interfacial plasma polarized layers can produce a net normal Maxwell stress that is responsible for the generation of aerosol drops. Experimental results of this plasma polarization phenomenon are presented and scaling theory is employed to elucidate the underlying plasma mechanism responsible for the phenomenon. The AC electrospray is capable of producing micron and sub-micron electroneutral drops or polymeric fibers and is a promising rapid and portable technology for drug encapsulation or biomaterials synthesis for controlled release respiratory drug delivery, wound care therapy or tissue/orthopaedic engineering. © 2006 WIT Press.