Neutron scattering observation of quasi-free rotations of water confined in carbon nanotubes

• DOI: 10.1038/srep45021
• Publication Date: 2017-03-22T11:59:42Z
• Authors: G. Briganti; G. Rogati; A. Parmentier; M. Maccarini; F. De Luca
• Keywords: Rotational energy; Rotational dynamics

Abstract The translational and orientational dynamics of water in carbon nanotubes has been studied by quasi-elastic neutron scattering from 300 down to 10 K. Results show that, reducing temperature below 200 K, part this behaves as a quasi-free rotor, that is, the energy such molecules becomes comparable rotational gas phase. This novel unique dynamic behavior is related appearance characterized coordination number about two, which promoted sub-nanometer axial confinement. peculiar molecular arrangement allows an active even at temperatures low mobility shows compatible with one.