Molecular Dynamics simulations are used to explore the effect of severe-1 nanometerconfinement on the short-time dynamics of poly͑ethylene oxide͒ ͑PEO͒. Bulk and intercalated systems have been atomistically modeled to comparatively illustrate their differences. In particular, we aim to trace the molecular level mechanisms responsible for the counter intuitive distribution of relaxation times recorded by solid state 2 H NMR for the C-H bond reorientations in confinements. Computer simulations complement the experiments and reveal that factors such as local density inhomogeneities, proximity of Li ϩ , and disorder in the system, combine to determine the PEO segmental dynamics. In contrast with the respective bulk PEO systems, where a clear transition from distinct solid to liquid like dynamics takes place with increasing temperatures, for the nanoscopically confined chains there persists a coexistence of fast and slow segmental relaxations over the same temperature range.

ABSTRACT:We employ atomistic computer modeling to investigate the structure and morphology of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains confined in 1-nm slit pores defined by montmorillonite silicate layers. Molecular dynamics computer simulations reveal the Li ϩ cations to be located in the immediate vicinity of the silicate surfaces and PEO to adopt highly amorphous conformations in a liquidlike bilayer across the slit pores. Despite the orienting influence of the parallel stacked silicate walls, PEO shows no indication of crystallinity or periodic ordering; in fact, for all temperatures simulated, it is less ordered than the most disordered bulk PEO system. These amorphous PEO film configurations are attributed to the combination of severe spatial confinement and the strong coordination of ether oxygens with the alkali cations present in the interlayer gallery. These conclusions challenge the picture traditionally proposed for intercalated PEO, but they agree with a plethora of experimental observations. Indicatively, the simulation predictions are confirmed by wide-angle neutron scattering and differential scanning calorimetry experiments on PEO/montmorillonite intercalates.

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In this paper we review molecular modeling investigations of polymer/layered-silicate intercalates, as model systems to explore polymers in nanoscopically confined spaces. The atomic-scale picture, as revealed by computer simulations, is presented in the context of salient results from a wide range of experimental techniques. This approach provides insights into how polymeric segmental dynamics are affected by severe geometric constraints. Focusing on intercalated systems, i.e. polystyrene (PS) in 2 nm wide slit-pores and polyethylene-oxide (PEO) in 1 nm wide slit-pores, a very rich picture for the segmental dynamics is unveiled, despite the topological constraints imposed by the confining solid surfaces. On a local scale, intercalated polymers exhibit a very wide distribution of segmental relaxation times (ranging from ultra-fast to ultra-slow, over a wide range of temperatures). In both cases (PS and PEO), the segmental relaxations originate from the confinement-induced local density variations. Additionally, where there exist special interactions between the polymer and the confining surfaces ( e.g., PEO) more molecular mechanisms are identified.