Modeling the effect of external electric fields on the dynamics of a confined water nano-droplet

Abstract

The effects of the application of constant electric fields on the dynamics of a confined water droplet between two different surfaces are investigated, by using a molecular dynamics method. It is found that the water molecules responded to the electric field, which partially depends on the wettability of the different surfaces. The results reveal that the application of external electric fields causes to create extra pressure on the surfaces, which are theoretically justified. The induced pressure could be experienced by multilayer nano-filters, which are used in desalination processes, with the aid of an external electric field, and may reduce the water filters shelf life. © 2021 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.