Terahertz Modulation of Surface Wettability: Insights from Molecular Dynamics

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, are of considerable interest due to their wettability properties, which hold significant potential for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage, and biomedicine. Modulating the interaction between 2D materials and their surrounding fluids is essential for optimizing wettability. In this study, we investigated the effects of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves on the surface wettability of graphene. Our results demonstrate that THz waves at 27 THz progressively reduce the contact angle of liquid water droplets on the graphene surface, enhancing hydrophilicity and increasing the time required for the droplets to achieve a stable configuration by 1.5-fold. This phenomenon occurs due to the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the droplets, which alters electrostatic interactions and disrupts the monolayer of water molecules on the graphene surface, thereby influencing the contact angle. This study offers valuable insights into the modulation of surface affinity in two-dimensional materials and highlights the potential for advancing technologies that leverage surface interactions.