Ultrahigh-Flux Water Nanopumps Generated by Asymmetric Terahertz Absorption
Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 184003 – Published 2 May, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.184003
Abstract
Controlling active transport of water through membrane channels is essential for advanced nanofluidic devices. Despite advancements in water nanopump design using techniques like short-range invasion and subnanometer-level control, challenges remain facilely and remotely realizing massive waters active transport. Herein, using molecular dynamic simulations, we propose an ultrahigh-flux nanopump, powered by frequency-specific terahertz stimulation, capable of unidirectionally transporting massive water through asymmetric-wettability membrane channels at room temperature without any external pressure. The key physics behind this terahertz-powered water nanopump is revealed to be the energy flow resulting from the asymmetric optical absorption of water.
