selfelectrokinetic

Selfelectrokinetic, also written as self-electrokinetic, refers to electrokinetic effects that arise within a system from internal chemical reactions or structural asymmetry, without externally applied electric fields. It includes self-electrophoresis and self-electroosmosis, where ions, electric fields, or flows are generated by catalytic or redox processes at surfaces.

In synthetic systems such as Janus particles with anisotropic catalysts, localized chemical reactions produce unequal ion fluxes. The resulting electric field drives electrophoretic motion of the particle itself or induces electroosmotic flows in the surrounding liquid, enabling autonomous propulsion without external power sources.

Key factors include zeta potential, catalytic activity, fuel concentration, ionic strength, pH, particle size and geometry, and the properties of the fluid such as viscosity and Debye length. Theoretical descriptions combine reaction kinetics with electrostatics and hydrodynamics to predict motion and flows.

Applications are being explored in autonomous micro- and nanoswimmers, micromixing, and microfluidic pumping, where self-generated electrokinetic effects offer power and control at small scales. Limitations include dependence on chemical fuels, stability over time, and sensitivity to ionic background.

Terminology varies; some literature uses self-electrophoresis or self-electroosmosis to denote similar ideas. The concept remains a specialized area within electrokinetics and colloidal science, with ongoing work to clarify mechanisms, quantify efficiency, and develop practical implementations.