Perspective on Fluid-Interface-Involved Physiochemistry: From Static to Dynamic

Abstract

Fluid interfaces are commonly observed in natural phenomena and industrial applications where heat and mass transfer behaviors as well as the associated energy conversions inevitably impact both material fabrication and chemical reactions. It is known that fluid interfaces, including both air–liquid and liquid–liquid interfaces, are proven to involve a series of spatiotemporal physicochemical effects that dominate the fluid-interface-involved processes, instead of being a simple medium. However, it remains a challenge to understand and utilize the underlying mechanisms of the interfacial effects. This perspective focuses on the latest progress in fluid-involved interfacial behaviors, emphasizing the fundamental “heat and mass transfer” and corresponding “energy transfer” on both liquid–air and liquid–liquid interfaces, which can be regulated by external fields, such as temperature fields, shear fields, acoustic fields, and electric fields. Additionally, we discuss the ongoing challenges and potential evolutionary influences of fluid interfaces, pointing out that by orchestrating various external fields, fluid interfaces can be harnessed to play more important roles in chemical reactions, material assemblies, crystal growth, and fluidic devices.