QUANTUM THEORY OF CONTACT ELECTRIFICATION

Authors

Timothy J. Perkins*, University of West Georgia
Javier E. Hasbun, Univ West GeorgiaFollow
L. C. Lew Yan Voon, Univ West GeorgiaFollow
Morten Willatzen, BINNFollow
Zhong Lin Wang, BINN, Georgia TechFollow

Abstract

We present a unified quantum-mechanical model of contact electrification that provides a microscopic basis for the Volta-Helmholtz-Montgomery hypothesis. Our model can represent metals, semiconductors and insulators, in either fluid or solid phase, and with an effective electron transfer mechanism. Standard experimental results such as the charging of similar materials, surface charge mosaic, and the higher efficiency of charge transfer for a liquid-solid contact, compared to a solid-solid one, are reproduced. A quantum-mechanical charge oscillation in the femtosecond to picosecond regime is predicted to take place. Coulomb interaction is found to have an impact on not just the charge transferred but also the period of charge oscillation.

Acknowledgements

Chinese Academy of Sciences, Georgia Space Grant Consortium

Recommended Citation

Perkins*, Timothy J.; Hasbun, Javier E.; Lew Yan Voon, L. C.; Willatzen, Morten; and Wang, Zhong Lin (2021) "QUANTUM THEORY OF CONTACT ELECTRIFICATION," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 79, No. 1, Article 28.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol79/iss1/28