Patent ID: 8632669

Claim:
A method of removing a particle from a liquid, comprising: (a) immersing a first electrode having a high aspect ratio in a liquid comprising a particle, wherein the first electrode comprises a shaft having a shaft latitudinal dimension and a distal end having a distal latitudinal dimension, wherein the distal latitudinal dimension is from one nanometer to one millimeter; (b) urging the particle toward the first electrode by generating an electric-field-induced force using the first electrode; and (c) immobilizing the particle on a surface of the first electrode with a capillary force formed between the first electrode and the liquid by withdrawing the first electrode from the liquid; wherein the electric-field-induced force is created by an electric field that is maintained through the step of immobilizing the particle on a surface of the first electrode with a capillary force formed between the first electrode and the liquid by withdrawing the first electrode from the liquid.