Benzene confined in MCM-41 below its melting point: A proton NMR study

Benzene confined in MCM-41 (3 nn) was studied by the mean of the line width s, line shapes, T-1 et T-2 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. O n the contrary to the bulk no evidence of a sharp phase transition in the c onfined system can be obtained from the temperature dependence of the studi ed parameters. At room temperature, the dynamics of the confined liquid is significantly reduced. At lower temperature, it slows down but is still muc h faster than the bulk crystal, suggesting the formation of a highly diffus ive solid or a highly viscous liquid. Moreover, no obvious distinction betw een the surface molecules and the molecules at the centre of the pores is o btained.