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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/96385
Entropically-induced asymmetric passage times of charged tracers across corrugated channels
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We analyze the diffusion of charged and neutral tracers suspended in an electrolyte embedded in a channel of varying cross section. Making use of systematic approximations, the diffusion equation governing the motion of tracers is mapped into an effective 1D equation describing the dynamics along the longitudinal axis of the channel where its varying-section is encoded as an effective entropic potential. This simplified approach allows us to characterize tracer diffusion under generic confinement by measuring their mean first passage time (MFPT). In particular, we show that the interplay between geometrical confinement and electrostatic interactions strongly affect the MFTP of tracers across corrugated channels hence leading to alternative means to control tracers translocation across charged pores. Finally, our results show that the MFPTs of a charged tracer in opposite directions along an asymmetric channel may differ We expect our results to be relevant for biological as well synthetic devices whose dynamics is controlled by the detection of diluted tracers
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MALGARETTI, Paolo, PAGONABARRAGA MORA, Ignacio and RUBÍ CAPACETI, José Miguel. Entropically-induced asymmetric passage times of charged tracers across corrugated channels. Journal of Chemical Physics. 2016. Vol. 144, num. 034901. ISSN 0021-9606. [consulted: 14 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/96385