title: Molecular valves actuated by intermolecular forces.
abstract: Phase behavior in nanostructured thin films under a gradient in chemical potential is studied via kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. Switching between saturated, partially saturated, and unsaturated states drives precipitous changes in permeation. This phenomenon could render nanostructured thin films as molecular valves, where adsorbate-adsorbate forces actuate the flow of molecules.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716-3110, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Vlachos
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D044367:Phase Transition; D016062:Porosity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014462:Ultrafiltration / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial