Speaker
Description
The emerging field of nanofluidics explores the molecular mechanics of fluids at the smallest scales. This realm of the "infinitely small in fluidics" is the frontier where the continuum of fluid dynamics meets the atomic nature of matter, and even its quantum nature. Observations unveil a cabinet of curiosities of singular properties, from frictionless flow to neuromorphic behaviors.
In this talk, I will discuss experimental and theoretical results that we obtained recently on the transport of water and ions in nanopores, both in 1D nanotubes and 2D channels obtained by van der Waals assembly. I will in particular focus on the emergence of hydro-electronic couplings, explaining the strange flows of water in carbon nanotubes. This opens new perspectives for nanoscale fluid transport, which I will illustrate on the phenomena of flow tunneling across walls, and (ion-free) hydro-electronic energy conversion.
Beyond the scientific intrigue, some of the singular nanoscale properties can be scaled up to develop innovations at the water-energy nexus. I will in particular discuss how this led to revived large-scale perspective for osmotic energy harvesting, as well as large-scale application for separation and desalination under electric drivings.