Nanofluidic behavior on potassium chloride solution in zeolite Y

Abstract

ABSTRACTNanofluidic behavior has been an active area of research for the past decade. In addition to modifying nanopore size and surface properties, another important way to adjust system performance is to control the liquid composition. In the current study, we investigate the influence of electrolyte concentration on the infiltration behavior, as well as its dependence on temperature. A hydrophilic zeolite Y can be soaked in pure water, while with the addition of an electrolyte it can’t be soaked spontaneously. It is noticed that the effective solid–liquid interfacial tension in nanopores is highly sensitive to the electrolyte concentration, which may be related to the unique confinement environment in nanoporous material. As a result, with the electrolyte concentration varying, the effective interfacial tension changes rapidly. This phenomenon can be attributed to the amplification effect of nanopore surfaces on the solid–liquid interaction. It provides a scientific basis for developing smart liquids for various temperature and pressure ranges.