Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, are of considerable interest due to their wettability properties, which hold significant potential for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage, and biomedicine. Modulating the interaction between 2D materials and their surrounding fluids is essential for optimizing wettability. In this study, we investigated the effects of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves on the surface wettability of graphene. Our results demonstrate that THz waves at 27 THz progressively reduce the contact angle of liquid water droplets on the graphene surface, enhancing hydrophilicity and increasing the time required for the droplets to achieve a stable configuration by 1.5-fold. This phenomenon occurs due to the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the droplets, which alters electrostatic interactions and disrupts the monolayer of water molecules on the graphene surface, thereby influencing the contact angle. This study offers valuable insights into the modulation of surface affinity in two-dimensional materials and highlights the potential for advancing technologies that leverage surface interactions.
Source: ACS Omega
Authors: Kaijie Wu, Haige Zhu, Zhixiang Huang, Yuxian Zhang, Wenyu Peng, Guoda Xie, Zuoxian Xiang
Institutions: Anhui University, Air Force Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
Awards: G2242956381, G6027796165, G8638136506
OpenAlex ID: W4410485012