The structure of water in smooth slit-like pores is studied by means of a p
rimitive molecular model of associating fluids due to Nezbeda and Smith [W.
R. Smith, I. Nezbeda, J. Chem. Phys. 81 (1984) 3694]. MC simulations in an
NVT ensemble are performed for different slit widths L ranging from one to
about three diameters of the water molecule. Detailed information about clu
ster and network formation of the associating fluid confined in the pores i
s obtained. The change of the aggregate topology from linear chains in case
of quasi two-dimensional narrow slits into tetrahedral bulk-like structure
s in wider slits is studied by the increase of L. The research provides bas
ic knowledge for a theoretical understanding of hydration phenomena at inte
rfaces at a molecular level. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese
rved.