Perpendicular separations of a binary mixture under van der Waals confinement

TL;DR

This study uses molecular dynamics to reveal a new phenomenon called perpendicular separations of two phases (PSTP) in a binary mixture confined by van der Waals walls, with implications for nanofilm and nanochannel fabrication.

Contribution

It introduces the PSTP phenomenon, details its mechanisms, and proposes a new stabilization mechanism for nanochannels and films in confined binary mixtures.

Findings

Discovery of PSTP phenomenon in confined binary mixtures.

Linear decrease of resin concentration over time.

Proposal of dynamic 'soft pillars' for nanochannel stabilization.

Abstract

We investigated the dynamics of a binary mixture confined within van der Waals (vdW) walls using molecular dynamics simulations. We discovered a novel phenomenon named perpendicular separations of two phases (PSTP). In the initial stage, central water molecules diffused, subsequently condensing symmetrically within the confinement's mid-plane. In the later stage, as water droplets nucleate and grow, the resin separates perpendicularly into two films due to the action of bubblers and vdW walls, resulting in a hollow nanochannel. The mechanisms and conditions underlying PSTS are discussed. The results indicate that the concentration (C) of resin in the middle region is linearly decreased with temporal power. We propose a new mechanism for stabilizing nanochannels and films: dynamic "soft pillars" that prevent Rayleigh-like instability. Our findings could shed light on the manufacture of nanofilms and organic nanochannels, which could help advance bio-detection and energy fields.