Abstract
Out-of-equilibrium chemical systems, comprising
reaction networks and molecular self-assembly pathways, rely on the delivery of
reagents. Rather than via external flow, diffusion or convection, we aim at
self-sustained reagent delivery. Therefore, we explore how the coupling of
Marangoni flow with chemical reactions can generate self-sustained flows,
driven by said chemical reactions, and – in turn – sustained by the delivery of
reagents for this reaction. We combine a photoacid generator with a
pH-responsive surfactant, such that local UV exposure decreases the pH,
increases the surface tension and triggers the emergence of a Marangoni flow.
We study the impact of reagent concentrations and identify threshold conditions
at which flow can emerge. Surprisingly, we unraveled an antagonistic influence
of the reagents on key features of the flow such as interfacial velocity and
duration, and rationalize these findings via a kinetic model. Our study
displays the potential of reaction-driven flow to establish autonomous control
in fuel delivery of out-of-equilibrium systems.
Supplementary materials
Title
Nguindjel TOC
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Supporting Information chemRxiv
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S1
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S2
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S3
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S4
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S5
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S6
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S7
Description
Actions
Title
Nguindjel Video S8
Description
Actions