Electricity Resonance-Induced Phase Transition of Water Confined in Nanochannels

The phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels under varying external electrical field is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels occurs by changing the frequency of the varying electrical field. Water molecules maintain ice phase when the frequency of the varying electrical field is less than 16 THz or greater than 30 THz, and they completely melt at the frequency of varying electrical field of 24 THz. The phenomenon is attributed to the break of the hydrogen bonds when the frequency of the varying electrical field is close to their inherent resonant frequency. Moreover, the study demonstrates that the critical frequency varies with the confined situation. The new mechanism of regulating the phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels revealed in this study provides a perspective for further understanding of the phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels, and has great application potential in anti-icing.