2023 article
Water under the influence of solutes: On the non-innocence of a universal solvent
Martin, J. D. (2023, May 3). MATTER, Vol. 6, pp. 1316–1319.
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
(Web of Science; OpenAlex)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 21, 2023
Water interactions with materials can dramatically change their properties, but the solute material also changes the properties of water. Here, a Solvation Shell-Liquid Solvate (SSLS) model is presented that provides a molecular-based description of water interacting with sucrose and cellulose for which multiple types of water are identified. Bound water most significantly changes the specific material’s properties, whereas the hard-to-remove water, i.e., water that is significantly modified by the influence of the solute, is responsible for bulk properties such as the system’s liquidus. Both types of water are significantly distinct from classical descriptions that treat solvents as an inert medium. This model provides the molecular basis for the insights into the molecular architecture of water-cellulose networks described in this issue of Matter and further provides a framework that can generally be applied to diverse aqueous systems. Water interactions with materials can dramatically change their properties, but the solute material also changes the properties of water. Here, a Solvation Shell-Liquid Solvate (SSLS) model is presented that provides a molecular-based description of water interacting with sucrose and cellulose for which multiple types of water are identified. Bound water most significantly changes the specific material’s properties, whereas the hard-to-remove water, i.e., water that is significantly modified by the influence of the solute, is responsible for bulk properties such as the system’s liquidus. Both types of water are significantly distinct from classical descriptions that treat solvents as an inert medium. This model provides the molecular basis for the insights into the molecular architecture of water-cellulose networks described in this issue of Matter and further provides a framework that can generally be applied to diverse aqueous systems. Computational and experimental insights into the molecular architecture of water-cellulose networksSalem et al.MatterMay 03, 2023In BriefA depiction of water-cellulose interactions as leveraged by hydroxyls is represented that govern “stacking” upon which subsequent chemical reactivity and physical properties are predicated. The nature of water states within stacking (e.g., one state is HR = hard-to-remove) dictates non-intuitive reactivity but can be invoked and applied to explain and control observables for cellulosic-based paper properties. For example, cellulosic fiber collapse from water removal is dependent on the quantity of HR states of water within the cellulose polymer units of the fiber. Full-Text PDF
