Current/flow-rate characteristic of an electrospray with a small meniscus

Abstract

A relation between the electric current and the flow rate of an electrospray operating in the cone–jet mode is proposed for the case of a very small meniscus, a long stationary jet, and a flow with important inertial effects. The finite size of the meniscus then affects the bulk-to-surface current transfer process, though the meniscus is still much larger than the drops of the spray. The result differs from the square-root law which is well-established for large menisci or very viscous flows.