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Breakdown in the wetting transparency of graphene
Chih-Jen Shih1, Qing Hua Wang, Shangchao Lin
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Graphene exhibits partial wetting transparency, not complete transparency, for liquids. Our study predicts a maximum water contact angle of 96° on graphene-coated surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Van der Waals interactions govern liquid-surface behavior.
- Graphene's unique properties suggest potential for novel wetting phenomena.
- Previous studies suggested complete wetting transparency of graphene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model for van der Waals interactions between liquids and graphene.
- To quantify the wetting behavior of liquids on graphene-coated surfaces.
- To challenge the notion of complete wetting transparency on graphene.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of van der Waals forces.
- Molecular dynamics simulations.
- Experimental contact angle measurements.
Main Results:
- Graphene demonstrates partial, not complete, wetting transparency.
- A theoretical model was developed and validated by simulations and experiments.
- The highest attainable contact angle for water on graphene was predicted to be 96°.
Conclusions:
- Wetting on graphene is more complex than previously assumed.
- The partial transparency of graphene to wetting has significant implications for surface engineering.
- This research provides a more nuanced understanding of liquid-graphene interactions.
