Sub-diffusion and population dynamics of water confined in soft environments

Abstract

We have studied by Molecular Dynamics computer simulations the dynamics of water confined in ionic surfactants phases, ranging from well ordered lamellar structures to micelles at low and high water loading, respectively. We have analysed in depth the main dynamical features in terms of mean squared displacements and intermediate scattering functions, and found clear evidences of sub-diffusive behaviour. We have identified water molecules lying at the charged interface with the hydrophobic confining matrix as the main responsible for this unusual feature, and provided a comprehensive picture for dynamics based on a very precise analysis of life times at the interface. We conclude by providing, for the first time to our knowledge, a unique framework for rationalising the existence of important dynamical heterogeneities in fluids absorbed in soft confining environments