Thin water films deposited on oxide-based materials play crucial roles in nature and technology by hosting chemical reactions in unique solvation environments. Using Sum Frequency Generation-Vibration Spectroscopy and molecular modeling, we show that water films supported by the basal (001) face of corundum (?-Al2O3) acquire loading- dependent hydrogen bond populations, with strongly contrasting water orientation across its layers. Control of hydrogen bonding interactions with water films opens new avenues for tailoring chemical reactivity and physics of thin water films tethered at metal oxide surfaces.
Revised: December 5, 2019 |
Published: November 1, 2019
Citation
Boily J., L. Fu, A. Tuladhar, Z. Lu, B.A. Legg, Z. Wang, and H. Wang. 2019.Hydrogen Bonding and Molecular Orientations Across Thin Water Films on Sapphire.Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 555.PNNL-SA-146721.doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2019.08.028