Adsorption of helium in a deformed pore

Abstract

The adsorption potential in the interior of an infinite nanopore along the z-axis, with varying radius R(z), is derived as a function of a deformation parameter. Detailed calculations for a carbon nanotube indicate that according to the magnitude of the deformation the potential landscape can be substantially modified, giving rise to regions of weakened confining strength, and even changing the nature of the minima. This modified field may induce thermodynamic instabilities in the adsorbed fluid. A similar situation takes place for other materials, such as alkaline pores with variable cross-section. A general argument can be provided that explains the origin of such instabilities. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.