Quasi-elastic scattering of neutrons by a water dispersion of nanodiamonds

Data on quasi-elastic neutron scattering by a water dispersion of nanodiamonds and a pure water as a supporting system has been analyzed. The observed difference in the quasi-elastic neutron scattering spectra is interpreted using two different approaches developed to date for describing the behavior of a solvent in the cases of low and moderate concentrations of carbon nanoparticles (for example, fullerenes, nanotubes, ultradispersed diamonds). Within the first approach, it is assumed that the influence of dissolved nanoparticles leads to an insignificant change in the properties of the solvent. Within the second approach, the properties of the solvent are assumed to be invariable as compared to those of the pure liquid, except for a narrow boundary region of the order of two to three atomic layers near the surface of nanoparticles, where the properties of the solvent change drastically. The explanation of the effect within the second approach seems to be more reliable despite the apparent complication of the mathematical treatment of the experiment.