Figure 1 (IMAGE)
Caption
a) This bar chart shows the "energy cost" for a single water molecule to sneak underneath graphene. For a single-atom-thin sheet (monolayer), the energy is negative, meaning water naturally prefers to hide underneath. For a four-layer stack, the energy reaches a high positive value, making it extremely difficult for water to squeeze into the gap. b) This illustration shows that on a single layer of graphene, water molecules would rather slip into the tiny space between the graphene and the water-loving surface below than stay on top. c) Once graphene is stacked four layers thick, the "door" underneath is effectively locked, and water molecules are forced to stay on the surface. (Atom colors: Ca=green, F=blue, C=black, O=red, H=light gray)
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Institute for Basic Science
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