Japanese researchers create tools to control gas-liquid interfaces

In Japan, when liquid meets gas, a unique zone forms. Variable by nature, molecules can cross from one state to another, combining in unique ways to either desirable or unwanted ends. From heat escaping a mug of coffee to increasing molecular concentrations in chemical solutions, gas-liquid interfaces are ubiquitous across nature and engineering. But a lack of tools capable of precisely controlling such gas-liquid interfaces limit their applications—until now. 

Researchers based at Osaka Prefecture University have developed the first controllable gas-liquid interface at the nanoscale. They published their design and experimental results on October 14 in Nano Letters.