Breakdown in the Wetting Transparency of Graphene

Research areas:
  • Uncategorized
Year: 2012
Type of Publication: Article
Authors:
  • Chih-Jen Shih, Shangchao Lin Qing Hua Wang
Journal: Physical Review Letters Volume: 109
Number: 17 Pages: 176101
Month: OCT 24 2012
Note:
PT: J; TC: 1; UT: WOS:000310201000010
Abstract:
We develop a theory to model the van der Waals interactions between liquid and graphene, including quantifying the wetting behavior of a graphene-coated surface. Molecular dynamics simulations and contact angle measurements were also carried out to test the theory. We show that graphene is only partially transparent to wetting and that the predicted highest attainable contact angle of water on a graphene-coated surface is 96 degrees. Our findings reveal a more complex picture of wetting on graphene than what has been reported recently as complete "wetting transparency."