EOF (Electroosmotic Flow)

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) is the movement of liquid caused by an electric field applied across a small tube or channel, often in microfluidic devices. When the electric field is applied, it interacts with charges on the channel walls, creating a layer of ions that moves along with the electric field. This ion movement drags the surrounding fluid, resulting in a steady flow. EOF is useful in precise fluid control for lab-on-a-chip applications, enabling lab chemicals or biological samples to be transported efficiently without moving parts.