The end of nanochannels

2011/07/15 by Thomas B. Sisan, Sisan, Thomas B., Seth Lichter +1 · 2 citations
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Fluid Dynamics (physics.flu-dyn) #Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications #Fuel Cells and Related Materials #Nanopore and Nanochannel Transport Studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1107.3081

openalex publication_date 2011/07/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

Current theories of nanochannel flow impose no upper bound on flow rates, and predict friction through nanochannels can be vanishingly small. We reassess neglecting channel entry effects in extremely long channels and find violations at the nanoscale. Even in frictionless nanochannels, end effects provide a finite amount of friction. Hence, the speed at which nanochannels transport liquids is limited. Flow-rate and slip length measurements are reevaluated using calculations which include end-effect friction. End effects are critical for the design of new technological devices and to understand biological transport.

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