Use of paired, bonded NdFeB magnets in redox magnetohydrodynamics

by Arumugam, P. U.; Clark, E. A.; Fritsch, I.

Bonded neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets in a paired configuration were successfully used to control mass transport in redox-based, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Control of fluid flow based on magnetic fields has potential for use in portable lab-on-a-chip (LOAC) and analytical devices. Bonded magnets, composed of magnetic powder and organic binder materials, are less expensive and easier to fabricate and pattern than electromagnets and sintered permanent magnets, which have been previously used in MHD studies on electrochemical systems. The ability to pattern bonded magnets near and around the electrodes is expected to allow for better control over the magnetic field distribution and solution flow. Current was generated at an 800-mum-radius platinum disk electrode in a solution of 0.06 M nitrobenzene and 0.5 M tetra-n-butylammonium hexafluorophosphate in acetonitrile. Increases in limiting current in the presence of the magnetic field, which indicate enhancement in mass transport, for sintered (210 +/- 4%, N = 4, where B-r= 1.23 T and magnetic field strength is 0.55 T) and bonded (94 +/- 8%, N = 4, where B-r = 0.41 T and magnetic field strength is 0.20 T) magnets, were similar to those obtained using an electromagnet with the same magnetic flux densities. The magnetic field strength and not the magnet type is important in controlling fluid flow, which is encouraging for integration of bonded permanent magnets into LOAC devices.

Journal
Analytical Chemistry
Volume
77
Issue
4
Year
2005
Start Page
1167-1171
URL
https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ac048849b
ISBN/ISSN
1520-6882; 0003-2700
DOI
10.1021/ac048849b