Exploring nanoscale hydrophobic hydration

Abstract

In this lecture, aspects of the hydration of hydrophobic interfaces that are emergent nanoscale properties of the interface chemical structure are discussed. General results inferred from systematic computational studies are emphasized, with a central theme focusing on the separate roles of surface topography and surface chemistry. The roles of surface curvature, polarity, and chemical heterogeneity, as well as the important role of solvent thermodynamic state are considered. The potential importance of understanding evolved natural biological interfaces on the same basis as model synthetic surfaces is pointed out, and progress in this direction is discussed.