Electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency in a nanochannel with slip-dependent zeta potential

Abstract Electrokinetic energy conversion in hydrophobic nanochannels has been studied by many scholars because of its high estimated conversion efficiency. However, these studies mainly focued on the the case of slip-independent zeta potential, ignoring the effect of slip length on zeta potential. In the paper, we study the energy conversion of pressure-driven flow in plane nanochannel with slip-dependent (S.D.) zeta potential. Through the derived analytical expression and schematic analysis of electrokinetic energy conversion efficiency, it can be observed that, within specific parameter ranges, when taking into account the S.D. zeta potential, the conversion efficiency is improved. The maximum conversion efficiency obtained is approximately 23%, which is an improvement of 5.9% compared to the slip-independent (S.I.) zeta potential. This study may have a positive impact on achieving more efficient energy collection and play a important role in the energy field.