Quasi-one dimensional fluids that exhibit higher dimensional behavior

TL;DR

This paper reviews how fluids confined in narrow channels transition from quasi-one-dimensional behavior to higher dimensions, highlighting the effects of geometry and inter-channel interactions on phase transitions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the dimensional crossover in fluids within carbon nanotubes, emphasizing the role of transverse coupling in phase transition emergence.

Findings

No phase transitions in single nanotubes at finite temperature

Crossover from 1D to 2D behavior in single nanotubes

Finite temperature phase transitions in nanotube bundles due to transverse coupling

Abstract

Fluids confined within narrow channels exhibit a variety of phases and phase transitions associated with their reduced dimensionality. In this review paper, we illustrate the crossover from quasi-one dimensional to higher effective dimensionality behavior of fluids adsorbed within different carbon nanotubes geometries. In the single nanotube geometry, no phase transitions can occur at finite temperature. Instead, we identify a crossover from a quasi-one dimensional to a two dimensional behavior of the adsorbate. In bundles of nanotubes, phase transitions at finite temperature arise from the transverse coupling of interactions between channels.