Tailoring 2-D confinements for polymers

What is it about?

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of polymers interacting with 2-D materials like graphene when confined to nanometer-length scales. We explore the coupling of the chemical wettability of the channel and the degree of confinement impacting the polymer flow behavior depending on the chain length. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we discover that longer polymer chains, such as n-dodecane, exhibit enhanced mobility and reduced friction in less wettable conditions compared to shorter chains like n-hexane. This nuanced understanding of the counterintuitive polymer behavior holds profound implications, potentially revolutionizing processes in industries like oil, including transport, extraction, and membrane technology.

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Photo by Bilal O. on Unsplash

Photo by Bilal O. on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Oil extraction from clay pores, fracking, oil spill cleanup, and several such applications need fast, efficient, and passive techniques of long-chain polymer segregation. By using 2-D materials like graphene and modifying the wetting characteristics, the transport properties of polymers with varying chain lengths can be significantly altered. The chain-length-based modulation of polymer flow behavior can be tailored for targetted extraction techniques with minimum energy expenditure and intervention, which otherwise require sophisticated equipment and extensive energy consumption. The study provides links toward sustainable solutions for the current petroleum-reliant economy.

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