Dynamic electrophoresis of charged colloids in an oscillating electric field.

The dynamics of charged colloids in an electrolyte solution is studied using direct numerical simulations via the smoothed profile method. We calculated the complex electrophoretic mobility μ(ω) of the charged colloids under an oscillating electric field of frequency ω. We show the existence of three dynamically distinct regimes, determined by the momentum diffusion and ionic diffusion time scales. The present results agree well with approximate theories based on the cell model in dilute suspensions; however, systematic deviations between the simulation results and theoretical predictions are observed as the volume fraction of colloids is increased, similar to the case of constant electric fields.