Since transport phenomena through nanopore systems are important and have many different engineering applications, there are many studies on the transport of aqueous solution and particles in micro- and nanofluidic systems. Traditionally, electrokinetic methods are largely used in micro- and nanofluidic systems to induce electroosmotic as a pumping method. When we put a solid surface in an electrolyte solution, the interface often acquires a fixed net charge (positive or negative). The charged surface will lead to an electrical double layer (EDL) forming around the interface, thus some net charges in the solution near the solid surface. When we applied an electric field to the fluid, the electrostatic force on the net charges in the EDL will result in a movement of the net charges, thus an electroosmosis flow will be driven. Comparing with this pumping methods, a newly proposed Transport-Induced-Charge–based method not only has advantages in the pumping field, but also can be easily applied to nanopore systems for resistive pulse sensing. We are studying the electroosmotic pumping based on TIC theory. The results will be helpful in many engineering and biological applications, such as resistive pulse sensing, drug delivery, and nanofluidic battery.

DNA sequencing is paramount momentous for developing novel treatments for cancers and vaccines for global pandemics. Hence, how to get precise results with unprecedented resolution will be indispensable technology for next-generation DNA sequencing. In this research, I will develop the technology to trigger surface plasmon of 2D materials to slow down the DNA migration speed to enhance the resolution with error-free sequencing results. Besides, understanding the nanofluidic behaviors with the application of 2D materials will be beneficial to optimize the sequencing results. My research covers multidisciplinary fields, includes materials science, biotechnology, and fluid dynamics.