Unexpected water transfer enhancement through nanochannels via inserting an inner embedded nanochannel

Abstract

Thermal fluctuations can significantly slow down water transfer rate, and result in low unidirectional transport efficiency. However, in this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate water transport in nanochannels with large diameters. Surprisingly, we discover that the insertion of an inner embedded nanochannel unexpectedly enhances water transfer rate through the nanochannels. We attribute this enhancement to the increased water velocity, which occurs due to the decrease in the cross-section of the nanochannel upon inserting an inner nanochannel. These findings have important implications for optimizing water transport in nanochannels with large diameters.