Liquid Structure and Dynamics of Aqueous Isopropanol over gamma-Alumina

Tristan Youngs, D. Weber, L.F. Gladden, Christopher Hardacre

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The liquid structures of thin films of aqueous solutions of 0, 7, 19, 50, and 100 mol % isopropanol above O/Al-terminated gamma-alumina surfaces have been investigated by means of classical molecular dynamics simulations. The structuring effect of the oxide oil the liquid mixtures is strong and heavily dependent on the local structure of the oxide. Two distinct re-ions are found oil the oxide Surface characterized by the degree of coordination of Al atoms. Above octahedral Al atoms, water and isopropanol molecules adsorb via the oxygen atoms to maximize the electrostatic interaction, whereas above tetrahedral Al sites the solvent molecules adsorb via hydrogen atoms with the oxygen atoms away front the surface. More mobility is found in the second layer compared with the first; however, its structure is still influenced significantly by the orientation of molecules in the first adsorbed layer. Qualitatively, the displacement of water from the surface by the adsorption of isopropanol occurs with 2.6 Water molecules lost for every alcohol molecule present based on the effective surface areas of the two species calculated from the pure simulations.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21342-21352
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume113
Issue number51
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • General Energy
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Liquid Structure and Dynamics of Aqueous Isopropanol over gamma-Alumina'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this