Separation of submicrometre particles using a combination of dielectrophoretic and electrohydrodynamic forces

The controlled spatial separation of submicrometre particles by a combination of dielectrophoretic and electrohydrodynamic forces is demonstrated for the first time. Using planar microelectrode arrays, a mixture of two differently sized particles (93 nm and 216 nm diameter latex spheres) has been separated into constituent components. The particles separate into distinct bands, spatially separated from each other. The separation pattern is reproduced across an entire electrode array, indicating that the method could be used as a means of rapid nanoparticle separation, positioning and processing.