Introducing a novel numerical model for describing the electrical potential in electrolyte solutions

Journal Article (2026)
Author(s)

D. E.A. van den Eertwegh (Eindhoven University of Technology)

A. Pari (TU Delft - Complex Fluid Processing)

E. A.J.F. Peters (Eindhoven University of Technology)

J. A.M. Kuipers (Eindhoven University of Technology)

M. W. Baltussen (Eindhoven University of Technology)

Research Group
Complex Fluid Processing
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2026.123318
More Info
expand_more
Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
Complex Fluid Processing
Volume number
324
Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Abstract

The transport of ions is governed by a species conservation equation and the Nernst-Planck flux expression. The latter requires information on the electrical potential, for which an additional transport equation is required. Traditional numerical approaches, such as solving the Poisson equation or applying the electroneutrality condition, face limitations in their applicability. In this work, a new numerical model is introduced for the electrical potential that effectively functions as a numerical switch between the Poisson equation and the electroneutrality condition. This model is tested for three different scenarios: a small-scale system where charge separation is expected in a large part of the domain, a large-scale system where charge separation is significantly less important, and a multi-ion liquid junction system. This new numerical model is capable of producing accurate results for all the tested systems.