Hao Wang, Bingyang Yuan, Shuai Yuan
Electrohydrodynamic vortex architectures originating from polarization-surface-induced charge localization demonstrate significant interfacial augmentation capabilities in low Reynolds number ( Re ) laminar flow regimes. This study uses conductive plate arrays to systematically investigate the multiphysical coupling mechanisms that integrate spatially heterogeneous charge polarization patterns, vortex-induced electroconvective phenomena, and pressure-driven flow (PDF) transport across micronanofluidic interfaces. Results establish that optimal mixing performance arises from the dynamic equilibrium between PDF-induced inertial forces and electroosmotic slip velocities governed by induced zeta potentials. At low-PDF conditions, that is Re = 0.1, interplate array spacing and staggered configurations critically regulate vortex dynamics: reduced spacing amplifies localized electric field intensities and slip velocities, while horizontal offsets ( D = 50 μm) generate asymmetric vortex coalescence, achieving nearly perfect mixing with a mixing index of 0.97. Vertical array spacing parameters ( L p = 60 μm) enhance chaotic advection through extended vortex perturbation domains, whereas rotational configurations (α = 30–40°) optimize interfacial deformation via bidirectional electrokinetic actuation. However, when Re increases to 5, high PDF suppresses electrokinetic-vortex coupling, reducing mixing performance to diffusion-limited levels. Parametric analysis identifies critical geometric thresholds for field asymmetry development, revealing that staggered arrays simultaneously minimize pressure intensification and maximize charge redistribution efficiency. This work establishes a mechanism framework for manipulating vortices through array-configured surface charges, advancing the understanding of microscale mass transfer under the combined action of electrohydrodynamic forces.