Dynamics and applications of a microscale liquid surface interacting with an electric field

We analyze the dynamics of a microscale liquid surface interacting with a time-dependent electrostatic field. The analysis is based on Hamilton’s theory, which can deal with electrodynamics as well as mechanics. The analysis predicts that the mass of a liquid interacting with an electrostatic field is reduced as a result of its motion. The mass reduction occurs through the formation of a high-aspect liquid meniscus, which is eventually transformed to a molecular flow of the liquid. The high-aspect liquid meniscus is used to erect a CNT on the glass surface, and the molecular flow is used to initiate a plasma-induced reaction that produces a hydrogen-storing polymer.