Interfacial temperature difference driven water diffuse through nitrogen gas and nucleation on the nanostructured surfaces: Evolution of vapor condensation and theory prediction.

This article focuses on the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study of water condensation on hydrophilic smooth and nanostructured surfaces in the presence of non-condensable nitrogen gas (NCG). It demonstrates that while NCG introduces an additional diffusion layer that reduces the steady-state condensation rate by impeding water vapor transport, the incorporation of nanopillars on surfaces enhances vapor–solid collisions, increases nucleation density, and improves condensation rates by facilitating solid–liquid energy transfer through increased hydrogen bonding and contact area. The study validates that the Schrage relation, combined with Stefan's law, accurately predicts the condensation rate and its linear dependence on temperature difference under nitrogen atmospheres on both smooth and nanostructured surfaces. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of nanoscale condensation mechanisms relevant to industrial applications such as carbon capture and desalination.