Search

The temperature dependent morphologies of co-existing solid ice and interfacial water within two classic mesoporous materials, MCM-41 and SBA-15, are investigated below the Gibbs-Thomson transition temperature using Cryo-NMR, NMR spin-diffusion and NMR spectral analysis (second moment calculations). By using the combined NMR approach, the difference of the ice cores and interfacial water layers in MCM-41 and SBA-15 is unveiled. Based on the derived thickness of the interfacial water layers, the surface features in the two porous materials are discussed. The work demonstrates an approach to use the combined NMR techniques to study the porous material surface via probing the interfacial water layers, which can be used to study the physical/chemical properties of the material surface on the molecular level in general. Unlabelled Image • The morphologies of the solid ice and the interfacial water in porous materials are probed by NMR. • The thickness of the interfacial water layers in porous materials is measured. • The different interfacial water layers are attributed to the different surface features of the materials. • The NMR methods provide an approach to study the interfacial water layers of material in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]