Active solid-state nanopores: Self-driven flows/chaos at liquid-gas nanofluidic interface

We present a study of self-driven flow dynamics at the liquid-gas interface within nanofluidic pores, devoid of any external driving forces. The investigation centres on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability phenomena occurring in sub-100 nanometre-scale fluidic pores situated within a micrometer-scale water and air domain. This research rigorously validates our flow velocity equation using simulation results while delving into the mass transfer efficiency of these intricate flow structures. Notably, we introduce a concept - an 'active solid-state nanopore' - that exhibits self-driven flow switching behaviour, transitioning between active and passive states without the need for mechanical components. This study reveals highly nonlinear and complex fluid dynamics within nanoscale dimensions, marking an exploration in this domain at room temperature. Implications of self-driven nanofluidics extend across diverse fields, from enhancing biosensors and healthcare applications to advancing net-zero sustainable energy production and contributing to the fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics in confined spaces.