Rational design of graphene slit as nano check valve

Abstract

A slit structure consisted of two bending graphene membranes is built as a nano check valve theoretically. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the opening and closing of this check valve. The backflow through the valve are also studied. The results show that the check valve can maintain the unidirectional flow of fluid and prevent backflow within the appropriate pressure range. Specifically, the opening and closing pressure of the valve are 148.2 and 24.6 MPa, respectively. The maximum working pressure of the check valve should be lower than 197.6 MPa. Moreover, the water passing rate is larger at a higher pressure due to the larger slit width and water flux. This check valve is expected to have many potential applications in the nanofluidic field.