According to a recently carried out pioneering study by the author of this proposal, in a system consisting of a nanoporous material immersed in a liquid, as the electrical potential difference or temperature varies, the liquid-solid interfacial energy can be changed significantly. Consequently, the liquid would "flow" into or out of the nanopores, resulting in a considerable system volume change. Because of the ultrahigh specific surface area of the nanoporous material, the energy density associated with the volume variation can be much higher than that of conventional intelligent materials. In the proposed study, we will perform comprehensive research in this area. A number of promising systems will be investigated through volume memory testing. The results will have both immediate and long-term impacts on fundamental research and engineering practices.
