Liquid Behavior Unique to Nanochannels: Modeling and Applications

德克萨斯理工大学的Shaorang Liu、Henryk Temkin和Jordan M.Berg教授在化学系分析和表面化学计划的支持下进行研究，利用理论、计算和实验纳米流体学方法来探索纳米通道中液体的独特性质。研究工作将集中在三个新现象：1)离子的富集化和贫化，2)电解液电导率的提高，以及3)纳米诱导的表观疏水性。正在研究的纳米通道的深度将在10到100纳米的范围内，其中连续介质行为占主导地位。将开发模型来解释这些现象并揭示其基本原理。对纳米通道的基础认识的提高将导致具有重大社会效益的新设备的出现。这项拟议的研究涉及化学家、机械和电气工程师以及这三个学科的学生。该项目将尖端研究与团队合作、沟通、指导和领导力方面的培训相结合。这项研究固有的跨学科性质将培养出受过特殊训练的学生。

Professors Shaorang Liu, Henryk Temkin and Jordan M. Berg of Texas Tech University are supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry to conduct research that employs theoretical, computational and experimental nanofluidics methodologies to explore the unique properties of liquids in nanochannels. The research effort will be focused on three new phenomena: 1) ion enrichment and depletion, 2) electrolyte conductivity enhancement, and 3) nano-induced apparent hydrophobicity. The nanochannels under study will have a depth in the range of ten to one hundred nanometers , where continuum behavior is dominant. Models will be developed to interpret these phenomena and reveal the underlying principles. Improved fundamental understanding of nanochannels will lead to new devices with substantial societal benefits. The proposed research involves chemists, mechanical and electrical engineers, and students from these three disciplines. This project integrates cutting-edge research with training in teamwork, communication, mentoring and leadership. The inherently interdisciplinary nature of this research will produce students with exceptional training.