Technological polymorphism of dispersed amorphous silicas: Neutror inelastic scattering on vibrations and computer modeling

The results of a detailed study of the vibrational spectra of a number of commercially produced amorphous, highly dispersed silicas (aerosil, silica gel, and aerogel) using inelastic neutron scattering are reviewed. The observed phenomenon of technological polymorphism and the results of the quantum-chemical modeling of the structure and vibrational spectra of the corresponding polymorphic modifications are discussed. © 1996 American Institute of Physics.