What keeps nanopores boiling

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex physics of boiling within nanopores, examining how confinement, material properties, and external factors influence phase transitions, with implications for energy, computing, and sensing technologies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of boiling in nanoconfined systems, integrating classical theory with nanoscale effects and discussing technological applications.

Findings

Boiling can occur unexpectedly in nanopores under certain conditions.

Material and external parameters critically influence boiling behavior.

Advances in nanopore control enable new technological applications.

Abstract

The liquid to vapour transition can occur at unexpected conditions in nanopores, opening the door to fundamental questions and new technologies. The physics of boiling in confinement is progressively introduced, starting from classical nucleation theory, passing through nanoscale effects, and terminating to the material and external parameters which affect the boiling conditions. The relevance of boiling in specific nanoconfined systems is discussed, focusing on heterogeneous lyophobic systems, chromatographic columns, and ion channels. The current level of control of boiling in nanopores enabled by microporous materials, as metal organic frameworks, and biological nanopores paves the way to thrilling theoretical challenges and to new technological opportunities in the fields of energy, neuromorphic computing, and sensing.