Simulation of BNNSs Dielectrophoretic Motion under a Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field

Abstract

Using a nanosecond pulsed electric field to induce orientation and arrangement of insulating flake particles is a novel efficient strategy, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the dielectrophoretic motion of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) in ultrapure water under a nanosecond pulsed electric field is simulated for the first time. First, the simulation theory is proposed. When the relaxation polarization time of the dielectric is much shorter than the pulse voltage width, the pulse voltage high level can be considered a short-term DC voltage. On this basis, the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Euler (ALE) method is used in the model, considering the mutual ultrapure water–BNNS particles-nanosecond pulsed electric field dielectrophoretic interaction, to study the influence of different BNNSs self-angle α and relative angle β on local orientation and global arrangement. The particles are moved by the dielectrophoretic force during the pulse voltage high level and move with the ultrapure water flow at the zero level, without their movement direction changing during this period, so the orientation angle and distance changes show step-like and wave-like curves, respectively. The model explains the basic mechanism of dielectrophoretic motion of BNNSs under a pulsed electric field and summarizes the motion law of BNNSs, providing a reference for subsequent research.

A Physical Model to Describe the Motion Behavior of BNNSs under Nanosecond Pulses

“…Polymer-based nanocomposites exhibit remarkable insulation properties, mechanical strength, and thermal conductivity, rendering them a highly promising avenue for research in the materials science domain. Consequently, research in this area has garnered considerable attention and remains a prominent area of focus [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are the two-dimensional counterpart of spherical graphene, with a B–N bond length of 1.45 Å, whereas graphene consists of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice (1 = 10 −10 m), as seen Figure 1 a.…”

“…Exposing BNNSs to nanosecond electric pulses has recently been demonstrated as an effective method for investigating their fundamental properties [ 4 , 5 , 18 , 19 ]. The use of nanosecond pulses minimizes the heat accumulation effect, enabling researchers to focus on the electrical response of BNNSs.…”

“…Y. Mi et al [ 4 , 5 , 18 , 19 ] have conducted numerous studies of this nature, wherein they have discovered an intriguing occurrence pertaining to BNNSs. Specifically, under nanosecond pulses, a singular BNNS will rotate locally to align its long axis with the applied field.…”

Nanocomposites: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Nanoscale Phenomena) in Advanced Composites

“…This is with regard to any material property of the nanocomposites, be it related to crystallographic and/or electronic structure. In line with this theme, eight representative articles [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ] have been published in this Special Issue:…”

“…Research by Mi et al [ 1 ] was the first to simulate and analyse the dielectrophoretic motion of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) particles in ultrapure water under a nanosecond pulse voltage and propose a simulation theory of particle dielectrophoretic motion under a pulse voltage. The results showed that when the pulse voltage was applied, the relaxation polarisation time of the particles and the fluid needed to be considered and compared with the nanosecond pulse width.…”