Three-phase fluid coexistence in heterogeneous slits
File(s)chem_het_slit2.pdf (421.17 KB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Parry, Andrew
laska, martin
Malijevsky, alexandr
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We study the competition between local (bridging) and global condensation of fluid in a chemically heterogeneous capillary slit made from two parallel adjacent walls each patterned with a single stripe. Using a mesoscopic modified Kelvin equation, which determines the shape of the menisci pinned at the stripe edges in the bridge phase, we determine the conditions under which the local bridging transition precedes capillary condensation as the pressure (or chemical potential) is increased. Provided the contact angle of the stripe is less than that of the outer wall we show that triple points, where evaporated, locally condensed, and globally condensed states all coexist are possible depending on the value of the aspect ratio a=L/H, where H is the stripe width and L the wall separation. In particular, for a capillary made from completely dry walls patterned with completely wet stripes the condition for the triple point occurs when the aspect ratio takes its maximum possible value 8 /π. These predictions are tested using a fully microscopic classical density functional theory and shown to be remarkably accurate even for molecularly narrow slits. The qualitative differences with local and global condensation in heterogeneous cylindrical pores are also highlighted.
Date Issued
2020-03-20
Date Acceptance
2020-03-02
Citation
Physical Review Letters, 2020, 124 (11)
ISSN
0031-9007
Publisher
American Physical Society
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review Letters
Volume
124
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© 2020 American Physical Society
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Physics
LIQUID BRIDGES
PHASE-BEHAVIOR
TRANSITION
INTERFACE
SURFACES
PORES
01 Mathematical Sciences
02 Physical Sciences
09 Engineering
General Physics
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 115701
Date Publish Online
2020-03-17