This thesis presents a series of experimental techniques based on scanning probe microscopy, which make it possible access the degree of freedom of protons both in real and energy space. These novel techniques and methods allow direct visualization of the concerted quantum tunneling of protons within the hydrogen-bonded network and quantification of the quantum component of a single hydrogen bond at a water–solid interface for the first time. Furthermore, the thesis demonstrates that the anharmonic quantum fluctuations of hydrogen nuclei further weaken the weak hydrogen bonds and strengthen the strong ones. However, this trend was reversed when the hydrogen bond coupled to the local environment. These pioneering findings substantially advance our understanding of the quantum nature of H bonds at the molecular level.
- ISBN13 9789811346620
- Publish Date 23 December 2018 (first published 25 July 2018)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country SG
- Imprint Springer Verlag, Singapore
- Edition Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2018
- Format Paperback
- Pages 115
- Language English