AI-driven random walk simulations of viscophoresis and visco-diffusiophoretic particle trapping

Abstract

Viscophoresis refers to the transport of suspended nanoparticles driven by a steep viscosity gradient. This work investigates this new transport effect using a random walk simulation. By modelling position-dependent Brownian motion, viscophoresis, and diffusiophoresis in a one-dimensional geometry, the simulation yields results that align well with experimental data, demonstrating viscophoresis as a new phoretic transport mechanism. Additionally, the simulation predicts the efficient separation of nanoparticles based on size, suggesting potential applications for sorting in microfluidic systems. The Python script for the simulation was generated using ChatGPT o1, significantly accelerating model development and providing accurate physical insights and efficient equations. However, caution is advised, as ChatGPT may generate non-physical results; iterative testing and validation is important.