Modeling Multiphase Fluids Trapped in Carbon Nanotubes

1. Modeling Multiphase Fluids Trapped in Carbon Nanotubes A. L. Yarinand C. M. Megaridis, Mechanical and Industrial Eng., UIC; Y. Gogotsi, Drexel Univ. Prime Grant Support: National Science Foundation • To explain the experimentally observed evolution of water volumes encased in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) • To develop a quantitative theory describing the related phenomena • To compare model predictions with the experimentally recorded evolution patterns • Physical estimates of the energy flux in electron microscope delivered by the electron beam to liquid volumes encapsulated inside carbon nanotubes • Continuum model of mass diffusion and heat transfer, which also accounts for intermolecular interactions • Agreement of the model predictions with the experimental data was good • Direct heating experiments conducted and confirmed the proposed thermal mechanism • A new phenomenon was explained on the physical level • A new continuum equation accounting for intermolecular interactions was proposed • Experimental results for hydrothermal CNTs in transmission electron microscope were explained and described • Experimental results for CVD-produced CNTs in the Environmental SEM were explained and described • Preliminary calculations for nanofluidic applications were conducted and can be extended in future