Abstract This paper introduces an effective optimization approach to investigate the morphological effects of nanocomposite gel electrophoresis and operational parameters (see below) by integrating the numerical simulations based on finite element method and population-based search algorithm such as differential evolution. Simulations are performed to study the solute transport by Convection-Diffusion-Electromigration in a microvoid with axially varying cross-section. Morphological parameters such as channel shape and size, as well as operational parameters such as pressure gradient in the axial direction, and electric field in the orthogonal direction were considered and found to have considerable effects on the separation resolution in electrophoresis. Key observations on the most favorable hydrogel morphology for an efficient electrophoresis separation are presented.

This contribution focuses on the analysis of the role of Joule heating on the hydrodynamics of systems where buoyancy is an important driving force. Typical examples are electrokinetic applications for soil cleaning and macromolecules separation. In particular, the region of interest for this study is the zone near vertical-rectangular electrodes. The analysis is conducted for boundary layer flows due to natural convection as a result of heat generation caused by the applied electrical field. A numerical solution of the differential model equations yields the temperature profile, the boundary layer thickness, and the component of the velocity field along the axial and transversal directions of the electrode. Effects of the heat generation on temperature, velocity profiles and boundary layer thickness are simulated and discussed. The results of the analysis allow a better assessment of the role of Joule heating on the hydrodynamics of the system near the electrode.