Abstract
The vibrational spectra of silica gel with low concentrations ofwater, 3% and 10%, were studied by inelastic neutron scattering at 5 K.The experimental spectrum for 3% water in silica gel shows dramatic changescompared to the spectra for the other known ice phases in the energytransfer region of 2-140 meV. Its intermolecular librational band is shiftedto lower energy by about 20 meV (or by a factor of 1.43) compared to ice Ih,and shows a similar librational band with liquid at 290 K. A significantexcess of low-frequency vibration modes (<7 meV) over normal ice Ih and a verywide acoustic peak (4-15 meV) were observed. Experimental data indicate thatlittle H2O (3%) in silica gel exhibits a strong softening of hydrogenbonds compared to bulk normal ice and all the other known ice phases.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
