In Situ Imaging of Nano-Droplet Condensation and Coalescence on Thin Water Films

Abstract

Two related aspects of nano-droplet condensation and droplets coalescence are studied for droplets on self-supported thin water films. The experiments are conducted in the environmental scanning electron microscope using wet scanning transmission electron microscopy. Favorable condensation sites are examined and in-situ position-controlled condensation experiments are conducted. The interaction among condensed multi-droplets as well as between a single droplet and the underneath nano-thick water film are dynamically examined with 10nm lateral resolution. The droplet round shape is reshaped to flat-like facets in-between droplets of 30-230 nm separation. Dynamic imaging of a few minutes duration shows a delayed coalescence effect, being explained by increased droplet-droplet electrostatic interaction relative to van der Waals interaction.