Water diffusion in nanoporous glass: an NMR study at different hydration levels

J Phys Chem B. 2008 Apr 3;112(13):3927-30. doi: 10.1021/jp711433d. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

By pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, we investigated the translational diffusion of water confined in the 200 A diameter pores of a sol-gel silica glass. The experiments, performed as a function of the hydration level, showed an enhancement of the self-diffusion coefficient when the water content corresponds to one or fewer monolayers. An explanation for this occurrence has been given in terms of a two-phase process involving a fast molecular exchange between the liquid and the vapor phase. Moreover, in partially filled pores, the surface water diffusion coefficient was measured, and was 4 times lower than the diffusion of liquid confined water in saturated spaces.

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion
  • Glass / chemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Porosity
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Water
  • Silicon Dioxide