SGER: Experimental Study on Controllable Interfacial Properties in Nanoenvironments

摘要：传统的表面/界面理论和微流体力学无法解释纳米多孔材料的强制吸收实验结果。预测的渗透压力可能比实测数据低几倍，并且完全无法捕捉到吸附等温线滞后对孔径的依赖。这对纳米多孔材料在储能、能量吸收、新材料加工、高级执行器、环境工程等重要领域的应用提出了重大挑战。目前，这方面的研究还处于起步阶段。关于渗透压力和吸收效果的实验数据很少。不同研究团队获得的有限测试结果往往相互矛盾，主要原因是缺乏对环境因素的准确控制。基于以上考虑，研究者提出了一项为期一年的探索性实验研究，研究各种条件下纳米孔内液体的行为。将研究一些有前途的系统。将分析准静态和动态渗透行为。以渗透压力、滞后程度和位移为特征的系统性能将与温度和电位差等控制变量有关。将确定最佳的表面处理技术和化学外加剂。这项研究不仅有望导致高能量密度、大位移和简单结构的先进机械元件的发展，而且还将阐明在纳米尺度环境中控制界面特性的基本机制和过程。许多学生将积极参与项目并获得全面的研究经验。本研究结果将对力学与材料学科的教学大纲产生重要影响。

Abstract: SGER proposal CMS-0503910Conventional surface/interface theories and microfluid mechanics have failed in explaining the experimental results of forced absorption of nanoporous materials. The predicted infiltration pressure could be several times lower than the measured data, and the pore size dependence on the hysteresis of absorption isotherms could not be captured at all. This poses significant challenges in applying nanoporous materials in important fields such as energy storage, energy absorption, processing of new materials, advanced actuators, environmental engineering, etc. Currently, the study in this area is at its early stage. The experimental data of the infiltration pressure and absorption effectiveness are scarce. The limited testing results obtained from different research teams are often contradictory to each other, primarily due to the lack of accurate control of environmental factors. In view of the above considerations, the investigator is proposing a one-year exploratory experimental research on the behavior of liquids confined in nanopores under various conditions. A number of promising systems will be investigated. Both quasi-static and dynamic infiltration behavior will be analyzed. The system performance, as characterized by the infiltration pressure, degree of hysteresis, and the displacement, will be related to control variables including temperature and potential difference. The optimum surface treatment techniques and chemical admixtures will be identified. The proposed study not only promises to lead to the development of advanced mechanical elements with high energy densities, large displacements, and simple structures, but also will shed light on the fundamental mechanisms and processes that govern interfacial properties in nanoscale environments. A number of students will be actively involved in the project and acquire comprehensive research experience. Results of this study will have significant impacts on the syllabuses on subjects of mechanics and materials.