Molecular dynamics of narrow, liquid-filled pores

Abstract

Molecular dynamics studies are reported for a 6-12 Lennard–Jones liquid in pore channels ranging from about 2–12 molecules wide. The pore walls are modeled as flat surfaces interacting with the fluid molecules via a continuous potential varying only with perpendicular distance from the wall. Liquid density profiles, solvation forces, interfacial tensions, and self-diffusion coefficients along the pore axis were computed. The density profiles indicate multilayer adsorption in the pore, whereas the locally defined diffusion coefficients do not vary significantly across the pore. The pore-averaged diffusivity as well as the solvation force oscillate with varying pore width at constant chemical potential. For pore widths greater than ten molecular diameters, the average diffusion coefficient is almost equal to its bulk value, and the solvation force equals the bulk pressure. In the smaller pores the mean square displacement normal to the pore walls never achieves linearity in time, and thus does not reach a diffusive limit. Thermodynamic equations relating the solvation force to the interfacial tension are derived, and the appropriate mechanical expressions for these quantities are identified. Simulation results are shown to be consistent with these thermodynamic equations. The simulations presented here will be useful in the development of the theory of fluid structure and transport in the tight pores occurring in such materials as vicor glass, clay dispersions, and biological pores and membranes.