Ultrahigh-Flux Water Nanopumps Generated by Asymmetric Terahertz Absorption
Qilin Zhang, Tong Zhou, Chao Chang, S. T. Gu, Yunjie Wang, Qi Liu, Zhi Zhu
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.