Infiltration of liquid metals in a nanoporous carbon

Abstract

Gallium and mercury are employed as liquid phases in a nanoporous carbon-based energy absorption system. Owing to the large surface tensions, the nanopore surface is non-wettable. Pressure-induced infiltration is observed and defiltration is difficult. The energy absorption efficiency is much higher than that of previously investigated nanoporous silica-based systems. The nominal solid–liquid interfacial tension is dependent on the nanopore size.

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by The Army Research Office under Grant No. W911NF-05-1-0288.