Interdisciplinary opportunities to advance nanofluidics

Recent advances in the fabrication of nanofluidic systems enable researchers to explore the unique physical properties present at the nanoscale. However, these properties are difficult to observe directly. Instead, data is often captured indirectly from macroscopic observables like voltage, pressure, and fluid flux. This prevents a complete understanding and utilization of nanofluidic behaviors.

Robin and Bocquet developed a roadmap for advancing the field of nanofluidics. They highlighted imaging techniques employed in other fields and explored how those techniques could expand the potential of nanofluidic systems.

The duo took much of their inspiration from biological systems, which use a much wider range of available properties.

“Our cells use complex and flexible pores that can change conformation, either actively or based on external conditions,” said author Paul Robin. “This contrasts with artificial nanofluidic membranes, which are mostly based on passive sieving. This limitation in functionality also corresponds to limitations in how we analyze nanofluidic systems.”

The pair saw the most potential in building ‘ionic machines’ that marry electronic systems with ionic and fluidic flows.

“We know how to control flows of electrons in solids: that’s electronics,” said Robin. “If we could effectively couple electrons and liquids, we could use that knowledge to control fluid and ion transport as well, and interface fluidic systems in bigger ensembles.”

However, reaching this point requires more advanced imaging tools, and the authors believe such tools can be found in other fields, such as condensed matter physics. They encourage nanofluidics researchers to reach out to colleagues in these fields to propel nanofluidics forward.

Source: “Nanofluidics at the crossroads,” by Paul Robin and Lydéric Bocquet, Journal of Chemical Physics (2023). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0143222 .