Wetting in Hydrophobic Nanochannels: A Challenge of Classical Capillarity

摘要

The classical (macroscopic) theory of capillarity (Laplace) fails to accurately describe the water—hydrophobic interface in nanopores. The results suggest the presence of ～0.6 nm low-density fluid (vapor film) separating water from the hydrophobic solid. The presence of this layer is rationalized in terms of Derjaguin's surface thermodynamics and disjoining pressure.