The physics of empty liquids: from patchy particles to water

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Soft Matter Physics

Background:

• Empty liquids are materials with constituents forming random networks via reversible bonds.
• Research on colloidal patchy particles and water has independently yielded key insights into empty liquid properties.
• Water exhibits a complex phase diagram and puzzling amorphous phase behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the connections between patchy particle models and water.
• To elucidate the modeling principles that confer water-like behavior to empty liquids.
• To identify factors controlling thermodynamic/dynamic anomalies, liquid-liquid phase transitions, and crystallization.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of patchy particle models and water properties.
• Theoretical and computational modeling of bonding, thermodynamics, and dynamics.
• Focus on geometric and energetic aspects of reversible bonding.

Main Results:

• Established connections between patchy particle systems and water behavior.
• Identified key factors influencing thermodynamic and dynamic anomalies in empty liquids.
• Demonstrated the possibility of liquid-liquid phase transitions and open crystalline structures.

Conclusions:

• Interdisciplinary exchange between patchy particles and water research solves long-standing problems.
• Understanding reversible bonding is crucial for predicting empty liquid behavior.
• Patchy particle models provide a framework for studying water-like anomalies and phase transitions.