October 22, 2018 | Lydéric Bocquet* and Elisabeth Charlaix
The article "Nanofluidics, from bulk to interfaces" by Lyderic Boquet and Elisabeth Charlaix explores the emerging field of nanofluidics, which studies fluid transport phenomena at the nanometer scale. The authors discuss the specific properties and mechanisms that arise at these scales, highlighting the interplay between bulk and interface phenomena. They delve into the validity of continuum descriptions, the role of surface effects, and the impact of electrostatic interactions. Key length scales, such as the Bjerrum length, Debye length, and slip length, are examined in detail, along with their implications for fluid dynamics and transport processes. The article also reviews experimental techniques used to study nanofluidic systems, including Surface Force Apparatus (SFA), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Molecular Dynamics simulations. The authors conclude by discussing the potential of nanofluidics for technological advancements, particularly in areas like filtration, desalination, and energy conversion.The article "Nanofluidics, from bulk to interfaces" by Lyderic Boquet and Elisabeth Charlaix explores the emerging field of nanofluidics, which studies fluid transport phenomena at the nanometer scale. The authors discuss the specific properties and mechanisms that arise at these scales, highlighting the interplay between bulk and interface phenomena. They delve into the validity of continuum descriptions, the role of surface effects, and the impact of electrostatic interactions. Key length scales, such as the Bjerrum length, Debye length, and slip length, are examined in detail, along with their implications for fluid dynamics and transport processes. The article also reviews experimental techniques used to study nanofluidic systems, including Surface Force Apparatus (SFA), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Molecular Dynamics simulations. The authors conclude by discussing the potential of nanofluidics for technological advancements, particularly in areas like filtration, desalination, and energy conversion.