AI Insight
Researchers have developed a method to tune the viscosity of porous liquids across an extraordinarily wide range of over 100 million-fold by designing their molecular surfaces. Porous liquids are materials that contain permanent nanoscale cavities while remaining in a liquid state, combining the benefits of porous solids with fluid properties. This molecular engineering approach allows precise control over fluid properties while maintaining the nanoscale pores essential for their function.
Why it matters
This breakthrough enables optimization of porous liquids for specific industrial applications, from carbon dioxide capture to gas separation processes. The ability to independently control viscosity and porosity means these materials can be customized for diverse uses, from low-viscosity fluids for efficient pumping and heat transfer to high-viscosity liquids for stable membrane formation.
Understand the Science
Porous liquids combine permanent nanoscale cavities with fluidity, making them promising for applications like carbon dioxide capture, gas separation and other chemical processes. Their viscosity must be tailored to the intended application: Lower-viscosity liquids are easier to pump and circulate while facilitating faster heat and mass transfer, whereas higher-viscosity liquids provide greater structural stability in membrane formation.
Source: Molecular surface design achieves over 100 million-fold tuning of porous liquid viscosity