Ultra-low noise measurements of ionic transport within individual single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Despite 15 years of extensive investigation, the fabrication and study of nanofluidic devices that incorporate a single carbon nanotube (CNT) still represents a remarkable experimental challenge. In this study, we present the fabrication of nanofluidic devices that integrate an individual single-walled CNT (SWCNT), showcasing a notable reduction in noise by 1-3 orders of magnitude compared to conventional devices. This achievement was made possible by employing high dielectric constant materials for both the substrate and the CNT-covering layer.

Determining Individualized Foot Progression Angle for Reduction of Knee Medial Compartment Loading during Stepping.

Purpose: Modifying foot progression angle (FPA), the angle between the line from the heel to the second metatarsal head and the line of progression, can reduce peak knee adduction moment (pKAM). However, determining the optimal FPA that minimizes pKAM without inducing unnatural walking patterns can be challenging. This study investigated the FPA-pKAM relationship using a robotic stepping trainer to assess the feasibility of determining the optimal FPA based on this relationship.

Influence of the Quantum Capacitance on Electrolyte Conductivity through Carbon Nanotubes.

In recent experiments, unprecedentedly large values for the conductivity of electrolytes through carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been measured, possibly owing to flow slip and a high pore surface charge density whose origin remains debated. Here, we model the coupling between the CNT capacitance and the electrolyte-filled pore one and study how electrolyte transport is modulated when a gate voltage is applied to the CNT. Our work shows that under certain conditions the quantum capacitance is lower than the pore one due to the finite quasi-1D CNT electronic density of states and therefore controls the CNT surface charge density that dictates the confined electrolyte conductivity.

Impact of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Functionalization on Ion and Water Molecule Transport at the Nanoscale.

Nanofluidics has a very promising future owing to its numerous applications in many domains. It remains, however, very difficult to understand the basic physico-chemical principles that control the behavior of solvents confined in nanometric channels. Here, water and ion transport in carbon nanotubes is investigated using classical force field molecular dynamics simulations.

Hydrophobization of Monolithic Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Xerogels by Means of Silylation.

In materials research, the control of wettability is important for many applications. Since they are typically based on phenolics, organic aerogels, and xerogels are intrinsically hydrophilic in nature, and examples of the chemical functionalization of such gels are scarce and often limited to powders. This study reports on the silylation of monolithic resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) xerogels using solutions of silyl chlorides and triflates, respectively, in combination with an amine base.