Electrification in L/L interfaces

• Grant number: 24/20353-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 13, 2025
• End date: February 27, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Galembeck
• Grantee: Júlia Barboza de Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of the project is to know the potential differences through L/L interfaces, formed by water with liquids that are partially miscible with water, pure, or solutions. The Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars effect applies to this as to any other interface, predicting the partitioning of charges at the interfaces. However, there are no experimental data that indicate the magnitude of the resulting potential variations, nor allow inferences about their impact on phase separation phenomena, or on the spontaneous electrification of solvents and fuels. Electrification at L/L interfaces can be described as a case of triboelectricity, not yet recognized by researchers, professors, and engineers.The scholarship holder will perform the following activities:i)The reading program and discussions on the electrification of macroscopic matter are based on the review articles published by this group in 2024.ii)Experimental training in the use of electrical measurement instruments that are an essential part of the project: multimeters, Kelvin and Keithley electrometers; assembly of DC circuits: choice of materials, assembly, and evaluation of connections; assembly of experimental arrangements that contain a well-defined L/L interface, containing electrodes that allow the measurement of potential differences through the interfaces.iii)Execution of electrification tests, measuring DC voltages produced spontaneously in different parts of the system. The results of these experiments will be used in the proposition of electrical generators based on the spontaneous electrification of L/L interfaces.iv)Study of accident reports and situations of personal or property risk created by L/L electrification, discussing the current solutions to these problems.At the end of her internship, the fellow must have produced experimental information, which will be discussed within the state-of-the-art and considering industrial, logistical, and residential contexts. (AU)