Issue 22, 2009

Multi-curvature liquid meniscus in a nanochannel: Evidence of interplay between intermolecular and surface forces

Abstract

We examined the formation of a multiply curved meniscus inside rectangular nanochannels, whose width ranges from 50 to 800 nm at a constant height of 200 nm. When the channel width is smaller than ∼400 nm under partial wetting conditions, a distinct multi-curvature meniscus was observed at the advancing front with an edge disjoined from the wall. In contrast, a typical pre-wetting film was observed at the front regardless of the channel size for complete wetting conditions. Our theoretical analysis demonstrated that the multi-curvature meniscus is generated from the increased contribution of an extra pressure due to intermolecular interactions near the wall. In particular, a plug-like meniscus profile was observed at the advancing liquid front for the 50 nm wide channel owing to an overlap between convex curvatures at the channel walls. Finally, we showed that the filling velocity of liquid can be decreased by decreasing the channel size due to the reduced wettability.

Graphical abstract: Multi-curvature liquid meniscus in a nanochannel: Evidence of interplay between intermolecular and surface forces

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
09 Jun 2009
Accepted
21 Aug 2009
First published
17 Sep 2009

Lab Chip, 2009,9, 3255-3260

Multi-curvature liquid meniscus in a nanochannel: Evidence of interplay between intermolecular and surface forces

P. Kim, H. Kim, J. K. Kim, G. Reiter and K. Y. Suh, Lab Chip, 2009, 9, 3255 DOI: 10.1039/B911271E

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