Effect of surface charge density and electro-osmotic flow on ionic current in a bipolar nanopore fluidic diode

We have simulated bipolar nanopore fluidic diodes for different values of surface charge densities, electrolyte concentrations, and thickness of transition zone. Nanopore enrichment leads to increased nanopore conductivity with the surface charge density at low electrolyte concentrations. Potential drop across the nanopore and electric field inside the nanopore decreases. Forward current and ionic current rectification peaks for a specific value of surface charge density. Even though the electro-osmotic current component remains small as compared to other components, its non-inclusion in the modeling leads to serious errors in the solutions. Significant ion current rectification can be obtained even if transition zone between oppositely charged zones is not narrow. The effect of the surface charge is screened by counterions at higher electrolyte concentrations, which leads to reduced electrolyte polarization and a decrease in the ion current rectification. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3656708]