Pattern formation in microemulsions affected by electric fields

Abstract

In living nature and biological morphogenesis, Turing’s mechanism plays an important role. Accordingly, patterns can be found on animal skins or in chemical reactive systems. The formation of these structures is governed by gradients of chemical reactants and ions and thus, of electric fields. Here, an electric field is applied to a chemical compartmentalized reaction (i.e., a water-in-oilmicroemulsion), in which Turing patterns may form. In this system, percolation can occur when the volume of water is large compared to that of the oil. Thus, water droplets generate a network of water channels. Due to the presence of ions, this formation can be manipulated by an electric field. Turing patterns show a spatial drift, caused by the electric field. The strength of the field resolves the resulting drift velocity of the patterns. Additionally, a reorientation of the patterns is induced by a gradient generated by the electric field.