Introduction to Electrokinetic Energy Conversion

How can we efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical power, or use electrical fields to control fluid flow at the microscale? Electrokinetic energy conversion is a foundational pillar of modern electrochemical engineering, powering innovations in microfluidics, biosensors, and sustainable energy harvesting. This comprehensive, text-based course guides you through the complex intersection of fluid mechanics and electrostatics, making these advanced physical principles accessible and practical. You will transition from understanding basic molecular interactions to modeling complete electrokinetic systems. Learn the essential physics of the electrical double layer, build mathematical models for electro-osmotic and electrophoretic transport, analyze the efficiency of energy conversion devices, explore modern applications in lab-on-a-chip technologies, and practice interpreting transport equations for real-world engineering scenarios. The course begins with essential thermodynamic and fluid dynamics definitions, ensuring you have a solid foundation before moving into advanced transport equations and device modeling. This course is designed for engineering students, researchers, and professionals who are new to electrokinetics and want a clear, step-by-step theoretical framework. Start reading today to unlock the potential of electrokinetic transport in your engineering projects.