Enhanced release of liquid from carbon nanotubes due to entrainment by an air layer.

It is shown that bi-layer (liquid/gas) flows through nanochannels (parallel carbon nanotube bundles) can result in a higher flow rate of liquid as compared to the case when the same liquid flows through the same channels subjected to the same pressure drop and occupies the whole bore. This enhancement of liquid flow happens because a much-less-viscous air layer moves so fast that it entrains the liquid layer occupying only a part of the nanochannel bore.