Abstract
The physical and mathematical principles that govern electrospray deposition were investigated, focusing on the influence of external parameters on the deposition geometry. Electrospray deposition, a process that uses electrostatic forces to atomize a liquid into fine droplets, plays a critical role in advanced material fabrication, particularly in the development of gas separation membranes. This study explores how variations in tip-to-plate distance and ethanol concentration affect the spatial distribution of deposited material, with the goal of optimizing cone-jet stability and deposition precision. Using an electrospray apparatus, we systematically varied the ethanol-to-water ratio (30/70, 50/50, and 70/30) and tip-to-plate distances (2.0 cm, 2.5 cm, and 3.0 cm) while maintaining cone-jet mode through voltage adjustments. The deposition patterns were captured on index cards, scanned and analyzed using image processing software to generate radial intensity profiles. These profiles were fitted using modified Gaussian and stretched exponential functions to quantitatively describe the distribution of the deposited material.
The concentration of ethanol significantly influences the radial profile and critical radii of the deposition. Solutions with lower ethanol concentrations exhibited greater variability in spray radius across different tip-to-plate distances. The reproducibility of the data was confirmed by low standard deviations, suggesting that the primary influences on the deposition geometry were the controlled parameters. The composition of the solution exerts a more substantial impact on the deposition patterns than on the spray distance. This research provides a novel analytical framework for quantifying electrospray deposition geometry, offering insights applicable to optimizing deposition processes in scientific and industrial contexts.
Advisor
Lehman, Susan
Department
Physics
Recommended Citation
Baker, Lily, "Investigating Geometry and Parameter Effects in Electrospray Deposition" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11580.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11580
Disciplines
Condensed Matter Physics
Keywords
Investigating, Geometry, Parameter, Effects, Electrospray, Deposition, Physics
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Lily Baker