The fluid running in the subnanochannel with functional surface

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to demonstrate that gas in a subnanochannel with a gradient wettability surface can be driven by a temperature gradient alone, revealing potential for energy-efficient nanoscale fluid transport.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism where a functional surface with wettability gradient induces gas flow in a subnanochannel without external energy input.

Findings

Flow driven by potential gradient of the surface

Flow velocity depends on channel width and reservoir pressure

Temperature increase enhances flow velocity

Abstract

We have researched the motion of gas in the subnanochannel with functional surface which wettability has a gradient for the fluid by using molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the gas is driven to flow under a single heat source and without any other work or energy applied to the system. The driving source is owed to the potential gradient of the functional face which keeps the fluid running in the subnanochannel. The width of the channel and the pressure of the reservoir has a significant influence on the flow velocity, which, respectively, has an optimal value for the maximum velocity. The flow velocity grows with the increasing temperature.