Solid Surface Research Articles

Chiral Effect on the Electrochemistry of Magnetic Ferrite Colloidal Nanocrystal Assembly Modified by Amino Acids.

Chirality on the molecular or nanometer scale is particularly significant in chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine. Chiral electrochemical reactions on solid surfaces are currently a hot research topic. Herein, a chiral solid surface is constructed in aqueous solutions by mixing chiral molecules, d- and l-glutamic, with γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and MnFe2O4 colloidal nanocrystal assembly (CNA). Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry measurements are conducted in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing ascorbic acid (AA) or isoascorbic acid (IAA), and a chiral effect appears on the electroreduction of ferric ions of amino acid-modified magnetic samples. A negative or positive potential shift is observed, respectively, for magnetic structures modified by l- and d-glutamic acid in aqueous AA electrolyte, while the opposite is observed for these samples in IAA electrolyte. The reduction peak current increases by 0.8-1.2 times for the electrodes modified with l- and d-glutamate molecules, improving the electron transport efficiency. The chiral effect is absent when the electrolytes contain achiral uric acid or dopamine, or even chiral l-/d-/ld-tartaric acid. The chiral recognition between d-/l-glutamic acid and AA/IAA at the electrochemical interface is suggested to be related to their spinal configurations. These observations will be helpful for the rational design of inorganic functional chiral micro/nanostructures.

Casimir Effect in MEMS: Materials, Geometries, and Metrologies—A Review

Casimir force densities, i.e., force per area, become very large if two solid material surfaces come closer together to each other than 10 nm. In most cases, the forces are attractive. In some cases, they can be repulsive depending on the solid materials and the fluid medium in between. This review provides an overview of experimental and theoretical studies that have been performed and focuses on four main aspects: (i) the combinations of different materials, (ii) the considered geometries, (iii) the applied experimental measurement methodologies and (iv) a novel self-assembly methodology based on Casimir forces. Briefly reviewed is also the influence of additional parameters such as temperature, conductivity, and surface roughness. The Casimir effect opens many application possibilities in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), where an overview is also provided. The knowledge generation in this fascinating field requires interdisciplinary approaches to generate synergetic effects between technological fabrication metrology, theoretical simulations, the establishment of adequate models, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Finally, multiple applications are addressed as a research roadmap.

Tuning Adhesion and Energy Dissipation in Polymer Films between Solid Surfaces via Grafting and Cross-Linking

Tuning Adhesion and Energy Dissipation in Polymer Films between Solid Surfaces via Grafting and Cross-Linking

Suppressing the Leidenfrost effect by air discharge assisted electrowetting-on-dielectrics

The Leidenfrost effect for a droplet on an over-heated substrate always results in a superhydrophobic state, significantly hindering the water evaporation for heat dissipation. Here, we demonstrate a strategy of air discharge assisted electrowetting-on-dielectrics (ADA-EWOD), overcoming this challenge. This strategy increases the solid surface free energy by generating air discharge near the three-phase contact line of the droplet and combines it with the electromechanical force to decrease the contact angle, which makes ADA-EWOD have stronger wetting capabilities than traditional electrically control methods that only rely on electromechanical force. The water contact angle on an over-heated surface (above 350 °C) is decreased from nearly 180° down to less than 10°. This superhydrophilicity at high temperature reduces the droplet lifetime by at least 10 times, well inhabiting the Leidenfrost effect. Furthermore, we use ADA-EWOD in droplet evaporation for heat dissipation, where a heated silicon wafer at 600 °C is cooled down to less than 200 °C within 20 s. We believe that the present work provides a perspective on suppressing the Leidenfrost effect, which may have important potential applications in the field of heat dissipation.

Deposition patterns formed by the evaporation of linear diblock copolymer solution nanodroplets on solid surfaces.

The evaporation-induced deposition pattern of the linear diblock copolymer solution has attracted attention in recent years. Given its critical applications, we study deposition patterns of the linear diblock copolymer solution nanodroplet on a solid surface (the wall) by molecular dynamics simulations. This study focuses on the influence of the nonbonded interaction strength, including the interaction between the wall and polymer blocks (ɛAW and ɛBW), the interaction between the solvent and the wall (ɛSW), and the interaction between polymer blocks (ɛAB). Conditions leading to diverse deposition patterns are explored, including the coffee-ring and the volcano-like structures. The formation of the coffee-ring structure is attributed to receding interfaces, the heterogeneity inside the droplet, and the self-assembly of polymer chains. This study contributes to the establishment of guidelines for designing deposition patterns of the linear diblock copolymer solution nanodroplet, which facilitates practical applications such as inkjet printing.

In Ukrainian

The paper discusses the results of saponite research from the Tashkiv deposit of Ukraine. X-ray structural analysis proved the necessity of preliminary cleaning of saponites from mineral impurities. The study of the morphology, nanoprofile and topography of the surface of saponite by the methods of SEM-microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy revealed that the mineral is represented by aggregates of nano- and microparticles of a pyramidal shape. Its characteristic feature is the heterogeneity of isomorphic substitutions of ions in the tetrahedral and octahedral sheets of the structural elementary package. According to X-ray fluorescence analysis, saponite contains a significant amount of Fe3+, which isomorphically replaces magnesium Mg2+ and, accordingly, is located mastly in the octahedral sheet of the structural package with a charge from +0.37 to +0.35. The number and mechanism of isomorphic substitutions determine the presence of a total negative charge of the crystal lattice (from –0.38 to –0.3), the value of which ensures intensive interaction with water molecules of the interpacket space with the formation of surface OH groups. Accordingly, both acidic and alkaline Lewis and Brønsted centers are present on the surface with a predominance of acidic ones, so the acidity function is 5.82, and the point of zero proton charge is pH = 5.5. During dispersion in water, a part of the alkaline centers of the side surface are transformed into Brønsted acid centers as a result of their protonation, which causes an increase in the pH of the dispersion medium to pH = 8–8.6. Accordingly, the isoionic state is reached at pH = 7.5. The difference in pH values characterizing the isoionic state of the surface and the point of zero net proton charge (PZNPC) indicates the presence of weak acid-alkaline centers on the surface. The study of the adsorption of acid-alkaline dyes showed the adsorption of alkaline (pK = 1¸3) and acid (pK = 7¸14) dyes on saponites. The latter is significantly reduced due to the preliminary hydration of the solid surface - mainly the lateral edges of the particles. Acidic dyes are not adsorbed from a dispersion medium with pH < 5.5 (PZNPC), and basic dyes are adsorbed at pH > 5,5( PZNPC).

The influence of the conditions of applying sealing polymer materials on the deformation resistance of the sealanter to sclofibro concrete

The article deals with the features of the treatment of solid surfaces with a primer before using sealing materials. The adhesive strength of the sealant to the area of adhesion is the basis for sealing the joints. Lack of adhesion leads to the ingress of water, dirt, precipitation and other climatic effects, which eventually lead to the destruction of the seams. Therefore, it is extremely important to observe the seam treatment technology before applying the sealant. Proper treatment of seams with a primer, observing the time of application to the base, before using sealing materials will increase the durability and service lifespan of the sealed joint. To improve the adhesive strength between the adhesive and the substrate, as a rule, the hard surface (substrate) is pre-treated with a primer based on polyurethane foam or epoxy resins. These primers are used because when exposed to a hard surface, a polymer matrix is formed, which, upon further contact with the sealant, increases the adhesion strength in the contact zone. In surface defect zones with moisture content, a new surface layer is also formed due to the participation of polymer groups in forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The formation of a polymer layer on a solid surface containing defective zones requires a certain time. Tests were carried out to determine the resistance to deformations of a combination of sealant/primer sealing materials in combination with glass fiber reinforced concrete samples and to establish the influence of the conditions for applying a primer/sealant to the surface of a glass fiber reinforced concrete composition on resistance to a series of character cycles of equal loads and temperature changes, with a deformation of the sealing material of 25% . It has been established that the time of treatment of a solid surface with a primer should be at least 5 minutes. If this condition is not observed when sealing materials are applied to glass fiber reinforced concrete, it may cause the sealant to separate from the base.

Numerical simulation of magnetohydrodynamics double-diffusive natural convection in a cavity with non-uniform heated walls

The fluid flow in a closed domain with heat and mass transfer has enormous applications in thermal engineering. Specifically, the natural convection with fin has applications in cooling electronic devices, automobile engines, solar collectors, etc. So, this research aims to explore the simultaneous aspects of the natural convection flow of heat and mass transfer, as well as the entropy generation in a square cavity with four fins attached diagonally at each corner and a circular object in the center. The enclosure is filled with non-Newtonian fluid and an inclined magnetic field is applied. The left and right walls are heated by non-uniform linear increasing temperature (Th) having higher concentration (CL). The governing equations are first transformed to dimensionless form and then the finite element method is utilized to resolve it. The parameters and inclusion of fins are deeply analyzed to flow particularities. It is inspected that flow is more consistent in the absence of fins giving rise to more heat and mass transport. The maximum entropy is found in the vicinity of fins corners and solid surfaces. Due to non-uniform heating, negative gradients can also be achieved on the heated walls. Parameters impacts revealed that increasing the Hartmann number (Ha) decreases the kinetic energy, heat and mass transfer rate, and entropy generation. Almost three times lesser kinetic energy (K.Eavg) is obtained in the considered range of Ha. The velocity, temperature and entropy generation lead to amplification as Casson parameter (β) is enhanced. The inclusion of fins produces more resistance to fluid motion resulting in lower Nusselt (Nuavg) and Sherwood number (Shavg). The Higher Rayleigh number (Ra) can motivate the velocity and result in smaller Bejan number.

Bilayer Scaffolds of PLLA/PCL/CAB Ternary Blend Films and Curcumin-Incorporated PLGA Electrospun Nanofibers: The Effects of Polymer Compositions and Solvents on Morphology and Molecular Interactions.

Tissue engineering scaffolds have been dedicated to regenerating damaged tissue by serving as host biomaterials for cell adhesion, growth, differentiation, and proliferation to develop new tissue. In this work, the design and fabrication of a biodegradable bilayer scaffold consisting of a ternary PLLA/PCL/CAB blend film layer and a PLGA/curcumin (CC) electrospun fiber layer were studied and discussed in terms of surface morphology, tensile mechanical properties, and molecular interactions. Three different compositions of PLLA/PCL/CAB-60/15/25 (TBF1), 75/10/15 (TBF2), and 85/5/10 (TBF3)-were fabricated using the solvent casting method. The electrospun fibers of PLGA/CC were fabricated using chloroform (CF) and dimethylformamide (DMF) co-solvents in 50:50 and 60:40 volume ratios. Spherical patterns of varying sizes were observed on the surfaces of all blend films-TBF1 (17-21 µm) > TBF2 (5-9 µm) > TBF3 (1-5 µm)-caused by heterogeneous surfaces inducing bubble nucleation. The TBF1, TBF2, and TBF3 films showed tensile elongation at break values of approximately 170%, 94%, and 43%, respectively. The PLGA/CC electrospun fibers fabricated using 50:50 CF:DMF had diameters ranging from 100 to 400 nm, which were larger than those of the PLGA fibers (50-200 nm). In contrast, the PLGA/CC electrospun fibers fabricated using 60:40 CF:DMF had diameters mostly ranging from 200 to 700 nm, which were larger than those of PLGA fibers (200-500 nm). Molecular interactions via hydrogen bonding were observed between PLGA and CC. The surface morphology of the bilayer scaffold demonstrated adhesion between these two solid surfaces resembling "thread stitches" promoted by hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and surface roughness.

Quantifying gliding forces of filamentous cyanobacteria by self-buckling.

Filamentous cyanobacteria are one of the oldest and today still most abundant lifeforms on earth, with manifold implications in ecology and economics. Their flexible filaments, often several hundred cells long, exhibit gliding motility in contact with solid surfaces. The underlying force generating mechanism is not yet understood. Here, we demonstrate that propulsion forces and friction coefficients are strongly coupled in the gliding motility of filamentous cyanobacteria. We directly measure their bending moduli using micropipette force sensors, and quantify propulsion and friction forces by analyzing their self-buckling behavior, complemented with analytical theory and simulations. The results indicate that slime extrusion unlikely generates the gliding forces, but support adhesion-based hypotheses, similar to the better-studied single-celled myxobacteria. The critical self-buckling lengths align well with the peaks of natural length distributions, indicating the importance of self-buckling for the organization of their collective in natural and artificial settings.

Measuring line tension: Thermodynamic integration during detachment of a molecular dynamics droplet

The contact line (CL) is where solid, liquid, and vapor phases meet, and Young’s equation describes the macroscopic force balance of the interfacial tensions between these three phases. These interfacial tensions are related to the nanoscale stress inhomogeneity appearing around the interface, and for curved CLs, e.g., a three-dimensional droplet, another force known as the line tension must be included in Young’s equation. The line tension has units of force, acting parallel to the CL, and is required to incorporate the extra stress inhomogeneity around the CL into the force balance. Considering this feature, Bey et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 152, 094707 (2020)] reported a mechanical approach to extract the value of line tension τℓ from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In this study, we show a novel thermodynamics interpretation of the line tension as the free energy per CL length, and based on this interpretation, through MD simulations of a quasi-static detachment process of a quasi-two-dimensional droplet from a solid surface, we obtained the value τℓ as a function of the contact angle. The simulation scheme is considered to be an extension of a thermodynamic integration method, previously used to calculate the solid–liquid and solid–vapor interfacial tensions through a detachment process, extended here to the three-phase system. The obtained value agreed well with the result by Bey et al. and showed the validity of thermodynamic integration at the three-phase interface.

Contact Angle Modulation: In Situ Polymer Deposition during Sessile Drop Evaporation.

The drying kinetics of a sessile drop on a solid surface are a widely studied phenomenon because of their relevance to various fields such as coating, printing, medical diagnostics, sensing, and microfluidic technology. Typically, the drop undergoes drying either at a constant contact radius (R) with a decrease in the three-phase contact angle or at a constant contact angle (θ) with a reduction in the radius with time. These two drying modes are referred to as CCR and CCA, respectively. It is not uncommon where both R and θ may decrease during drying, especially in the penultimate stage of drying. In this work, we report a scenario wherein the θ increases while R decreases during the drying process of an aqueous polymer solution on a high surface energy substrate. This behavior is observed across different polymer systems (such as poly(ethylene oxide) and polyvinyl pyrrolidine), varying molecular weights, and polymer concentrations. As the drop dries, the polymer gets deposited at the three-phase contact line, thus reducing the surface energy of the substrate and leading to an increase in the contact angle. The drop responds by attempting to reach a new equilibrium contact angle through slipping. The temporal increase in contact angle follows a power law scaling behavior. This study demonstrates an in situ modulation of contact angle facilitated by evaporation and polymer deposition, showcasing unconventional drying dynamics.

Experimental study on effect of deformation temperature on mechanical and biological activities of Ti-6Al-7Nb titanium alloy

Titanium alloy plays a crucial role in biomedical applications, particularly in the field of medical implants. One of the most significant advantages of titanium alloy is its excellent biocompatibility. Eventhough, it offered excellent behaviour, at elevated temperature, titanium alloys may experience softening, which limits their application in environment with higher operating temperatures. In this investigation, hot tensile and biological behaviour of the Ti-6Al-7Nb under different operating temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C) is studied. The biological behaviour of the deformed Ti-6Al-7Nb titanium alloy treated with simulated body fluid is studied. The microstructure and phase transformation of deformed titanium alloy is evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. It was revealed that at temperature of 600 °C, the mobility of molecules at the interface between the solid and liquid phases increases. This enhanced mobility can lead to better wetting of the solid surface by the liquid, resulting in a decrease in the contact angle. The elevated temperature facilitates improved grain development, recrystallization and mobility. The coarser grains could result from deformation at temperature higher than 600 °C. It was concluded that the Ti-6Al-7Nb titanium alloy deformed with 600 °C showed the improvement in contact angle of 42 ± 2° and biocompatibility.

Precision engineering of nano-assemblies in superfluid helium by the use of van der Waals forces

The ability to precisely engineer nanostructures underpins a wide range of applications in areas such as electronics, optics, and biomedical sciences. Here we present a novel approach for the growth of nanoparticle assemblies that leverages the unique properties of superfluid helium. Unlike viscous solvents at or near room temperature, superfluid helium provides an unperturbed and cold environment in which weak van der Waals interactions between molecular templates and metal atoms become significant and can define the spatial arrangement of nanoparticles. To demonstrate this concept, diol and porphyrin-based molecules are employed as templates to grow gold nanoparticle assemblies in superfluid helium droplets. After soft-landing on a solid surface to remove the helium, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging shows the growth of gold nanoparticles at specific binding sites within the molecular templates where the interaction between gold atoms and the molecular template is at its strongest.

Moving Meniscus-Assisted Template-Free Optothermofluidic Nanoparticle Patterning and Its Application in Optothermoconvective Particle Trapping.

Moving meniscus-assisted vertical lifting is a commonly employed particle assembly technique to realize large-area particle patterning for the easy fabrication of colloidal photonic crystals and sensors. Though great success has been achieved for large-area patterning, inscribing desired patterns over the target substrate with precise control over the morphology remains a challenge. The target substrates need to be functionalized (physically or chemically) to realize desired patterns, which increases the complexity and limits their applicability to specific particle-liquid combinations. We demonstrate a new approach for the precise patterning of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs, diameter ∼60 nm) over solid substrates by the synergy of light-induced Marangoni flow and vertical lifting process (moving meniscus), without the requirement of photomasks or templates. The core idea relies on the particle accumulation due to light-induced Marangoni flow near the liquid meniscus in contact with a solid surface (due to plasmonic absorption of the particles) and the controlled lifting of the substrate. We present both the simulation and experimental results of the developed patterning technique. Various patterns such as continuous lines, intermittent lines with varying lengths, patterns with continuously varying widths, cross patterns, etc. are successfully inscribed. Dynamic control over the three-dimensional morphology of the deposited patterns is achieved by varying the lifting velocity, laser irradiation time, and lifting direction during the inscription process. Finally, we show the applicability of the developed plasmonically active surface for the large-area parallel manipulation of nonabsorbing microparticles based on optothermoconvective flow. The major advantage of the developed method compared to the existing light-controlled patterning techniques is its ability to inscribe patterns over large distances (up to several centimeters). We expect that the results presented in this paper will benefit different applications requiring precise particle patterning, such as optical elements, sensors, plasmonic substrates, microfluidic master templates, and electronic circuits.

Contribution of vibrational excited molecular nitrogen to ammonia synthesis using an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet

The contribution of atomic nitrogen is fairly possible in plasma-assisted catalytic synthesis of ammonia since it has high adsorption probabilities on solid surfaces. On the other hand, recently, the contribution of vibrational excited molecular nitrogen to ammonia synthesis has been discussed. In this work, we compared the fluxes of atomic nitrogen and vibrational excited molecular nitrogen with the rate of plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis. We employed an atmospheric-pressure nitrogen plasma jet, and the spatial afterglow of the plasma jet and a hydrogen flow irradiated the surface of a ruthenium catalyst. The fluxes of atomic nitrogen and vibrational excited molecular nitrogen were measured by two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and laser Raman scattering, respectively. The synthesis rate of ammonia had a positive correlation with the flux of vibrational excited molecular nitrogen, while the variation of the synthesis rate with the gas flow rate was opposite to the flux of atomic nitrogen. The experimental results indicate the contribution of vibrational excited molecular nitrogen to the synthesis of ammonia using the atmospheric-pressure plasma, where the flux of vibrational excited molecular nitrogen is more than four orders of magnitude higher than that of atomic nitrogen.

Achieving underwater stable drag reduction on superhydrophobic porous steel via active injection of small amounts of air

Over the years, numerous researchers have proposed air lubrication methods to reduce drag in underwater vehicles. This method is challenged by buoyancy and water flow, which facilitate air escape from solid surfaces, necessitating substantial air to achieve significant drag reduction. The adherence of hydrophobic interfaces to submerged air bubbles reduces air escape, stabilizing it on solid surfaces for effective drag reduction. However, high flow velocities or pressure conditions can destabilize the drag reduction effect by disrupting the air-water interface. To address this issue, the paper proposes a method that integrates superhydrophobic surfaces with active air injection. This approach involves preparing stable superhydrophobic surfaces by combining laser ablation, heat treatment, and spraying hydrophobic coatings on porous steel surfaces, and using active air injection to maintain the stability of the air layer. Flow field analysis revealed that active air injection into superhydrophobic porous steel sustains a stable air layer, even at high flow velocities, reaching a drag reduction exceeding 25%. Moreover, at high Reynolds numbers, high drag reduction can be achieved at significantly low flow rates compared to smooth surface. This approach shows promise for maintaining a stable air-water interface on superhydrophobic surfaces and sustaining drag reduction in engineering applications.

Transition of Liquid Drops on Microstructured Hygrophobic Surfaces from the Impaled Wenzel State to the "Fakir" Cassie-Baxter State.

Low adhesion of liquids on solid surfaces can be achieved with protrusions that minimize the contact area between the liquid and the solid. The wetting state where an air cushion forms under the drop is known as the Cassie-Baxter state. Surfaces where liquids form macroscopic contact angles above 150° are called superhydrophobic and superhygrophobic, if we refer to water or any liquid, respectively. The Cassie state is desirable for applications, but it is usually unstable compared to the Wenzel state, where the drop is in direct contact with the rough surface. The Cassie-to-Wenzel transition can be triggered by an increase in pressure and vibrations, but the inverse Wenzel-to-Cassie is much more difficult to observe. Here, we examine under what conditions the Wenzel-to-Cassie transition is triggered when the microscopic contact angle changes abruptly. For this, we applied a lubricant of low surface tension around drops that were in the Wenzel state on microstructured surfaces. The increase of the microscopic contact angle lifted the drop from the rough surface, when the pillar height and spacing are large and small, respectively. Numerical calculations for the drop-lubricant interface showed that the surface geometry requirements for the Wenzel-to-Cassie transition are stricter than the ones for the stability of the Cassie state. A surface geometry where the Cassie state is more stable than the Wenzel for a given Laplace pressure of the drop may not always allow the Wenzel-to-Cassie transition to take place. Therefore, the stability of the Cassie state is a necessary but insufficient condition for the inverse transition.

Three-dimensional numerical simulation and theoretical model of a hollow droplet impacting on a solid surface

The phenomenon of a hollow droplet impacting on a solid surface is widely found in various fields. The dynamic characteristics of hollow diesel droplets impacting on a solid surface are studied by combining numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. The dynamic contact angle model presented in this paper couples the advantages of existing dynamic contact angle models for simulating both the spreading and retracting stages. It also considers the continuous variation of the contact angle during the maximum spreading state. Compared to existing models, the maximum error has been reduced from 14.9% to 4.6%. The effects of impact velocity, impact angle, and volume ratio of a hollow droplet on the spreading and jetting characteristics are investigated by three-dimensional numerical simulations. It is found that air entrainment occurred in the counter-jet, and the presence of the impact angle increased the asymmetry of the counter-jet and spreading liquid film, promoting fingerlike splashing at the front liquid film. Based on energy conservation law, the theoretical prediction models of the maximum spreading coefficient of the hollow droplet impacting on the surface and the velocity of the counter-jet at the maximum spreading state are established using the multi-regional modeling method and the energy distribution principle. Compared with existing hollow droplet theoretical models, the proposed theoretical models exhibit a more concise expression, higher accuracy, and wider applicability range.

Enhancing performance in solar air channels: A numerical analysis of turbulent flow and heat transfer with novel shaped baffles

Solar air heaters are emerging as a promising solution for sustainable heating, as they harness abundant solar energy to provide heat for a variety of applications. However, their optimum efficiency remains a major challenge. Deflectors have significant potential to improve the performance of solar air heaters by redirecting airflow and optimizing heat transfer, making them more efficient and more suitable for large-scale adoption. This article examines the performance of a new baffle design aimed at improving heat transfer in the channel by increasing the exchange surface between fluid and solid surface. It consists of a “≠” -shaped baffle mounted on the top and bottom walls of the channel. An in-depth analysis of the spacing between these baffles was carried out to assess their impact on the thermal and aerodynamic properties of the solar air channel. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to perform the calculations, using the Finite Volume Method (FVM) in conjunction with the SIMPLE algorithm. All studies are carried out using the CFD code Fluent. Crucial steps in this research include studying the influence of these new baffles at different Reynolds numbers, ranging from 15000 to 35000, as well as varying the separation distance between the two baffles, chosen periodically (DBaffle/2, 3DBaffle/4, DBaffle, 5DBaffle/4 and 3DBaffle/2). Some of the numerical results were validated with the available experimental data and showed satisfactory agreement. The study identified an optimal case for the new baffles, by reducing the distance between the baffles, an improvement in system performance was observed, by increasing the flow strength and widening the recycling cells, which has an impact on dynamic behavior and heat transfer. The presence of this new baffle design, with minimal separation distance between them, demonstrated a significant thermal improvement, with a thermal improvement factor increasing by 44% compared to the simple channel without baffles, thus highlighting the effectiveness of the new solar air channel with “≠” -shaped baffles.