Energetic Characteristics of Hydrophobic Porous Materials as Candidates for Manufacturing of Nanorockets.

A new propulsion mechanism for nano- and microrocket engines is hypothesized. It is based on the instantaneous expulsion from hydrophobic nanopores triggered by irradiation from electromagnetic microwaves, ultrasound, or sudden pressure release. A large energy output is needed for the propulsion of a nanoparticle, and the value can be determined experimentally and by means of atomistic simulations.

Subnanometer Topological Tuning of the Liquid Intrusion/Extrusion Characteristics of Hydrophobic Micropores.

Intrusion (wetting)/extrusion (drying) of liquids in/from lyophobic nanoporous systems is key in many fields, including chromatography, nanofluidics, biology, and energy materials. Here we demonstrate that secondary topological features decorating main channels of porous systems dramatically affect the intrusion/extrusion cycle. These secondary features, allowing an unexpected bridging with liquid in the surrounding domains, stabilize the water stream intruding a micropore.