Fast transport of water in carbon nanotubes: a review of current accomplishments and challenges

Alan Sam, Remco Hartkamp, Sridhar Kumar Kannam, Jeetu S. Babu, Sarith P. Sathian, Peter J. Daivis, B. D. Todd*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)
79 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The intriguing mass transport properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received widespread attention, especially the rapid transport of water through CNTs due to their atomically smooth wall interiors. Extensive research has been dedicated to the comprehension of various aspects of water flow in contact with CNTs, the most prominent ones being the studies on slip and flow rates. Experimental and computational studies have confirmed an enhanced water flow rate through this graphitic nanoconfinement. However, a quantitative agreement has not yet been attained. These disparities coupled with incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms of water transport at nanoscale regimes are hindering the possibilities to integrate CNTs in numerous nanofluidic applications. In the present review, we focus on the slip and flow rates of water through CNTs and the factors influencing them. We discuss the key sources of discrepancies in water flow rate and suggest directions for future study.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)905-924
JournalMolecular Simulation
Volume47
Issue number10-11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Bibliographical note

Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care

Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.

Keywords

  • carbon nanotube
  • flow rate enhancement
  • friction coefficient
  • Nanofluidics
  • slip length
  • water

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