Electrically charged droplet: Influence of the generator configuration and the nature of the liquid

Abstract

We studied how to charge droplets by induction and how to maximize this charge. In order to aim this objective, we developed an innovative device that avoids non-linear effects and that is able to charge liquids of different nature. The device developed resembles a planar capacitor. The influence of the nature of the liquid (i.e. presence of ions in solution, polarity, surface tension and conductivity) on the charge induced was measured. We deduced that there exists a threshold of electrical conductivity for the fluid below which it does not charge according to the "perfect conductor" model.