Effect of solute nature on the polyamorphic transition in glassy polyol aqueous solutions

A continuum of amorphous ices between low-density and high-density amorphous ice

Amorphous ices are usually classified as belonging to low-density or high-density amorphous ice (LDA and HDA) with densities ρLDA ≈ 0.94 g/cm3 and ρHDA ≈ 1.15-1.17 g/cm3. However, a recent experiment crushing hexagonal ice (ball-milling) produced a medium-density amorphous ice (MDA, ρMDA ≈ 1.06 g/cm3) adding complexity to our understanding of amorphous ice and the phase diagram of supercooled water. Motivated by the discovery of MDA, we perform computer simulations where amorphous ices are produced by isobaric cooling and isothermal compression/decompression. Our results show that, depending on the pressure employed, isobaric cooling can generate a continuum of amorphous ices with densities that expand in between those of LDA and HDA (briefly, intermediate amorphous ices, IA). In particular, the IA generated at P ≈ 125 MPa has a remarkably similar density and average structure as MDA, implying that MDA is not unique. Using the potential energy landscape formalism, we provide an intuitive qualitative understanding of the nature of LDA, HDA, and the IA generated at different pressures. In this view, LDA and HDA occupy specific and well-separated regions of the PEL; the IA prepared at P = 125 MPa is located in the intermediate region of the PEL that separates LDA and HDA.

Direct observation of reversible liquid-liquid transition in a trehalose aqueous solution

Recent studies on liquid water suggest that the two liquid waters exist in the supercooled temperature region and that their existence relates to the anomalous behavior of low-temperature liquid water such as the maximum density at 4 °C. However, the experimental investigation of two liquid waters is difficult because of the rapid crystallization. In this study, a reversible liquid–liquid transition in a trehalose aqueous solution by the change in pressure was observed directly. This result suggests strongly that two liquid waters exist in the aqueous solution. This study has implications for wide fields related to liquid water, such as solution chemistry, cryobiology, meteorology, and food engineering.

Water forms two glassy waters, low-density and high-density amorphs, which undergo a reversible polyamorphic transition with the change in pressure. The two glassy waters transform into the different liquids, low-density liquid (LDL) and high-density liquid (HDL), at high temperatures. It is predicted that the two liquid waters also undergo a liquid–liquid transition (LLT). However, the reversible LLT, particularly the LDL-to-HDL transition, has not been observed directly due to rapid crystallization. Here, I prepared a glassy dilute trehalose aqueous solution (0.020 molar fraction) without segregation and measured the isothermal volume change at 0.01 to 1.00 GPa below 160 K. The polyamorphic transition and the glass-to-liquid transition for the high-density and low-density solutions were examined, and the liquid region where both LDL and HDL existed was determined. The results show that the reversible polyamorphic transition induced by the pressure change above 140 K is the LLT. That is, the transition from LDL to HDL is observed. Moreover, the pressure hysteresis of LLT suggests strongly that the LLT has a first-order nature. The direct observation of the reversible LLT in the trehalose aqueous solution has implications for understanding not only the liquid–liquid critical point hypothesis of pure water but also the relation between aqueous solution and water polyamorphism.

Glass polymorphism and liquid-liquid phase transition in aqueous solutions: experiments and computer simulations

One of the most intriguing anomalies of water is its ability to exist as distinct amorphous ice forms (glass polymorphism or polyamorphism). This resonates well with the possible first-order liquid-liquid phase transition (LLPT) in the supercooled state, where ice is the stable phase. In this Perspective, we review experiments and computer simulations that search for LLPT and polyamorphism in aqueous solutions containing salts and alcohols. Most studies on ionic solutes are devoted to NaCl and LiCl; studies on alcohols have mainly focused on glycerol. Less attention has been paid to protein solutions and hydrophobic solutes, even though they reveal promising avenues. While all solutions show polyamorphism and an LLPT only in dilute, sub-eutectic mixtures, there are differences regarding the nature of the transition. Isocompositional transitions for varying mole fractions are observed in alcohol but not in ionic solutions. This is because water can surround alcohol molecules either in a low- or high-density configuration whereas for ionic solutes, the water ion hydration shell is forced into high-density structures. Consequently, the polyamorphic transition and the LLPT are prevented near the ions, but take place in patches of water within the solutions. We highlight discrepancies and different interpretations within the experimental community as well as the key challenges that need consideration when comparing experiments and simulations. We point out where reinterpretation of past studies helps to draw a unified, consistent picture. In addition to the literature review, we provide original experimental results. A list of eleven open questions that need further consideration is identified.