Active Solid-State Nanopores: Self-Driven Flows/Chaos at the Liquid–Gas Nanofluidic Interface

Abstract

Here, we present a comprehensive study of self-driven flow dynamics at the liquid–gas interface within nanofluidic pores in the absence of external driving forces. The investigation focuses on the Rayleigh–Taylor instability phenomena that occur in sub-100 nm scale fluidic pores interfacing between 2 μm scale water and air reservoir. We obtain a flow velocity equation, and we validate it using simulations, concentrating on the mass transfer efficiency of these flow structures. Furthermore, we introduce the concept—“active solid-state nanopore”—that exhibits a self-driven flow switching behavior, transitioning between active and passive states without the need for mechanical components. We found a unique state of chaos at the nanoscale resembling the chaotic motion of fluid. This study contributes to the preliminary understanding of fluid dynamics at the classical–quantum interface. Implications of self-driven nanofluidics extend across diverse fields from biosensing and healthcare applications to advancing net-zero sustainable energy production and contributing to the fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics in confined spaces.