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Fluid mixtures in nanotubes
Henri Gouin1, Augusto Muracchini2, Tommaso Ruggeri2
1Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IUSTI UMR 7343, 13013 Marseille, France.
Physical Review. E
|July 18, 2018
Summary
This study models fluid mixtures in nanotubes using continuum mechanics. Nanotubes can exhibit significantly enhanced fluid flow, especially when the external bulk is vapor.
Area of Science:
- Continuum Mechanics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding fluid behavior in nanoscale confinement is crucial for various applications.
- Nanotube properties significantly alter fluid dynamics compared to bulk.
- Predicting mixture phase behavior and flow requires advanced theoretical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a continuum mechanics model for fluid mixtures within nanotubes.
- To investigate the influence of nanotube walls on mixture composition.
- To quantify the enhanced flow rates of fluid mixtures in nanotubes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mean-field molecular theory and Taylor series expansion of density.
- Deriving a continuous expression for volume free energy.
- Analyzing the behavior of water-ethanol mixtures in carbon nanotubes at 20°C.
Main Results:
- Nanotubes can be filled with liquid or vapor depending on wall chemistry and bulk conditions.
- Small diameter nanotubes are consistently filled with liquid mixtures.
- Carbon nanotube walls favor ethanol enrichment in water-ethanol mixtures.
- Fluid mixture flow in nanotubes can exceed classical Poiseuille flow by orders of magnitude, particularly with a vapor external bulk.
Conclusions:
- The developed model accurately describes fluid mixture behavior in nanotubes.
- Nanotube confinement and wall interactions significantly impact mixture composition and phase.
- Exceptional flow enhancement in nanotubes has implications for microfluidics and transport phenomena.
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