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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
16:24
Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Liquid polymorphism: water in nanoconfined and biological environments
H E Stanley1, S V Buldyrev, G Franzese
1Center for Polymer Studies and Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Summary
Liquid water exhibits anomalous behavior, potentially existing in two distinct phases (polymorphism). This concept may explain unusual properties in water and other liquids like silicon and metallic glasses.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Liquid water displays complex and anomalous properties.
- Understanding these anomalies is crucial across various scientific disciplines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize recent findings on liquid water's anomalous behavior.
- To explore the hypothesis of liquid water polymorphism.
- To connect water's behavior to other anomalous liquids.
Main Methods:
- Integration of recent experimental data.
- Analysis of computational simulation results.
- Review of studies on water in bulk, nanoconfined, and biological systems.
Main Results:
- Evidence supporting the potential for liquid water polymorphism.
- Discussion of water's transport anomalies.
- Insights into water's behavior within biological environments.
Conclusions:
- Liquid water polymorphism offers a framework for understanding its anomalies.
- The concept of liquid polymorphism can be extended to other materials like silicon and metallic glasses.
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