We show by molecular dynamics simulations that ions intercalated in carbon and boron-nitride nanotubes can be solvated at distance in polarizable nanodroplets adsorbed on their surfaces. When the ions are driven in the nanotubes by electric fields, the adsorbed droplets are dragged together with them. We illustrate this phenomenon by dragging assemblies of 20–10 000 water molecules by individual ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$ ions. This ion-facilitated dragging could be applied in molecular delivery, separation, and desalination.

• Received 2 December 2007
• Publisher error corrected 23 July 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.046103