Prototype equation of state for phase transition of confined fluids based on the generalized van der Waals partition function.

A simple self-consistent prototype equation of state (EOS) based on the generalized van der Waals (vdW) partition function has been demonstrated to describe the phase transition of simple fluids in nanopores with uniform size. Different from those commonly presented in the literature, the new EOS does not need an auxiliary equation that is conventionally applied to provide the capillary pressure derived from surface tension. The encouraging performance of the EOS calls for further extension to applications with more complex fluids and porous media.