Self-adjusted sustaining oscillation of confined water chain in carbon nanotubes.

Abstract

We show by molecular dynamics and first principle calculations that a water chain confined in carbon nanotubes can self-adjust into regular oscillation with remarkably lower entropy from random thermal motion with higher entropy at room temperature. The turning between the two phases is triggered by the water orientation fluttering into or from the energy optimum configuration of the chain. The findings are expected to be helpful in creation of self-sustaining nanoelectromechanical systems driven by ambient energy.