Whitby M., Cagnon L., Thanou M., Quirke N.
Imperial College, UK
Keywords: nanofluidics fluid flow transport carbon nanopipe enhanced nanotube
Experimental measurement of fluid flow and diffusion through nanoscale channels is important both for determining how classical theories of fluid dynamics apply at very small length scales and with a view to constructing practical nanofluidic devices. Here we report results of pressure driven flow for decane, ethanol and water through well ordered carbon nanopipes with a pore radius of 25 +/- 3 nm. Measured transport rates are more than four orders of magnitude faster than predicted by classical theory. These findings are in accordance with similar recent work reported by other groups for carbon nanotubes and indicate that enhanced nanofluidic flow regimes can also occur in carbon nanopipes produced via chemical vapour deposition in carefully prepared anodic aluminium templates. In addition, we report flow enhancement in larger 115 +/- 8 nm radius carbon nanopipes with plasma induced surface modification of inner pipe walls. Our findings have application in the development of biomedical devices both for sensing and for delivery of therapeutic drugs.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2008: Microsystems, Photonics, Sensors, Fluidics, Modeling, and Simulation – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 367 - 369
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8505-1