Controlling the fluid-fluid mixing-demixing phase transition with electric fields

Abstract

We review recent theoretical advances on controlling the fluid-fluid phase transition with electric fields. Using a mean-field approach, we compare the effects of uniform versus non-uniform electric fields, and show how non-uniform fields are better at altering the phase diagram. Focusing on non-uniform fields, we then discuss the behavior of the fluid concentration profile and the parameters (temperature, fluid concentration, etc.) that control the location of the fluid-fluid interface from both equilibrium and dynamic perspectives.