Fluctuating liquid structure induces ultrabroad infrared absorption: The hydrated proton on ultrafast time scales

The elusive infrared absorption continuum of protons in aqueous environment has been topic of intense controversial debate since half a century. Scientists now show for the case of the Zundel cation the surrounding liquid induces fluctuating electrical forces onto the proton, modulating its vibrational motions between the two water molecules. This mechanism, together with low-frequency thermal motions, results in the extreme broadening of the infrared spectrum.

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