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Capillary condensation under atomic-scale confinement.

Qian Yang1,2, P Z Sun3,4, L Fumagalli4

  • 1National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. qian.yang-2@manchester.ac.uk.

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|December 10, 2020
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The Kelvin equation accurately describes water condensation in atomic-scale capillaries, even those holding a single water layer. This surprising finding is due to capillary wall deformation, not a breakdown of the macroscopic model.

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Area of Science:

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Capillary condensation of water is crucial in nature and industry, affecting properties like adhesion and lubrication.
  • The Kelvin equation is widely used for condensation but is expected to fail in nanoscale capillaries.
  • Understanding condensation at the molecular level is vital for many technological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate water condensation in atomic-scale capillaries, particularly where the Kelvin equation is predicted to break down.
  • To explore the validity of macroscopic condensation models at the molecular scale.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms governing capillary condensation in confined environments.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized van der Waals assembly of two-dimensional crystals to create atomic-scale capillaries.
  • Studied water condensation within capillaries with heights less than four ångströms.
  • Employed experimental techniques to observe and analyze the condensation transition.

Main Results:

  • The macroscopic Kelvin equation accurately described water condensation in hydrophilic (mica) capillaries at the atomic scale.
  • The Kelvin equation remained qualitatively valid for weakly hydrophilic (graphite) capillaries.
  • Observed that elastic deformation of capillary walls suppresses expected molecular-scale oscillatory behavior.

Conclusions:

  • The Kelvin equation's accuracy at the atomic scale is fortuitous, explained by capillary wall elasticity.
  • Macroscopic models can surprisingly describe condensation in extremely confined spaces.
  • This work advances the understanding of capillary phenomena at the ultimate small scale.