Ionic and fluid transport confined to nanotubes exhibit behaviors which diverge from the continuum fluid mechanic description in several ways, including the violation of no-slip boundary conditions and distortions in temperature-pressure phase boundaries. The unexpected behavior of fluid transport at the nanoscale has applications in energy and fluid purification (e.g. desalination) but little is understood about the filling dynamics of fluids through nanoscale conduits. The aim of this project is to demonstrate experimentally carbon nanotube (CNT) filling with fluids of varying polarity as well as analytically model the coupling of the internal fluid to the CNT. In this research we synthesize identical CNTs on silicon wafers and record Raman spectroscopy data, including shifts in radial breathing mode of filled CNTs and attempt to solve the concentric nanorod-elastic shell model.

Through this SuperUROP, I hope to gain more experience in nanomaterials research, as well as help to fill gaps in knowledge about confined fluid transport that have recently been identified. I have taken transport phenomena courses and I interned for a company that used pore proteins to enhance reverse osmosis. My goal is to further my own knowledge of nanomaterials and to improve my capabilities as a researcher for future post-graduate research.