Nanoscale pumping of polar fluids with rotating electric fields

Fluid simulation at the nano/mesoscale is a complement to direct experimental measurements and a suitable methodology to explore new physical mechanisms to manipulate and control small volumes of fluids. Pumping of water through nanochannels is an important research topic due to the current advances in micro and nanotechnology, which largely benefits from computer simulations. This research demonstrates via molecular dynamics simulations that a significant water flow production is attainable at the nanoscale, exploiting a new, non-intrusive pumping method which relies upon the use of proper electric fields. Furthermore, it is shown that this new scheme can be employed in a realistic environment, opening up potential applications in biotechnology and desalination, and effective alternative to standard nanopumping techniques.