Gas Transport Through Nanochannels: Surface Effect and Molecular Geometry Effect

Gas transport through nanochannels is ubiquitous in nature and also plays an important role industry. The gas flow this regime can be described by the Knudsen theory, which assumes that molecules diffusely reflect on confining walls [1]. However, with emergence of low dimensional carbon-based materials such as graphene carbon nanotubes, it has been evidenced assumption might not hold for some atomically smooth surfaces, resulting anomalous enhancement flux [2]. Moreover, are usually treated mass points distinguished solely molecular weight, cannot interpret recent experiments gases similar weight exhibit a remarkable difference rate [3]. In talk, I will present our research progress field. We meticulously investigated nanochannels. For walls, we revealed underlying mechanism surface morphological effect collision solid [4]. Even subtle distinction roughness results specular scattering surfaces while diffuse molybdenum disulfide surfaces. found curvature could reduce interaction potential leading to additional rate. ascertain geometry various [5]. complex more likely experience multiple reflections surface, reduced flux. During collision, only normal translational kinetic energy acts positive contribution successful reflection, vibrational, rotational tangential energies all ineffective process. ratio initial suggested criterion whether disengage from wall after each collision. These insights expected deepen understanding nanochannels, paving promising way permeation control. Our work offers new perspective extend theory broader applications.