Electric fields can control the transport of water in carbon nanotubes

The properties of water confined inside nanotubes are of considerable scientific and technological interest. We use molecular dynamics to investigate the structure and average orientation of water flowing within a carbon nanotube. We find that water exhibits biaxial paranematic liquid crystal orderi...

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Published inPhilosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series A: Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences Vol. 374; no. 2060; p. 20150025
Main Authors Ritos, Konstantinos, Borg, Matthew K., Mottram, Nigel J., Reese, Jason M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England The Royal Society Publishing 13.02.2016
Subjects
Carbon Nanotubes
Electric Fields
Liquid Crystals
Molecular Dynamics
Nanofluidics
Water Transport
electric fields
liquid crystals
carbon nanotubes
molecular dynamics
water transport
nanofluidics
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Summary:The properties of water confined inside nanotubes are of considerable scientific and technological interest. We use molecular dynamics to investigate the structure and average orientation of water flowing within a carbon nanotube. We find that water exhibits biaxial paranematic liquid crystal ordering both within the nanotube and close to its ends. This preferred molecular ordering is enhanced when an axial electric field is applied, affecting the water flow rate through the nanotube. A spatially patterned electric field can minimize nanotube entrance effects and significantly increase the flow rate.
Bibliography:Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Nanostructured carbon membranes for breakthrough filtration applications: advancing the science, engineering and design’ organised and edited by Davide Mattia, Ben Corry, Duncan A. Lockerby, David R. Emerson and Jason M. Reese
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One contribution of 11 to a Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Nanostructured carbon membranes for breakthrough filtration applications: advancing the science, engineering and design’.
ISSN:1364-503X
1471-2962
DOI:10.1098/rsta.2015.0025