Experimental inelastic neutron scattering spectrum of hydrogen hexagonal clathrate-hydrate compared with rigorous quantum simulations

We have performed high-resolution inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements on binary hydrogen clathrate hydrates exhibiting the hexagonal structure (sH). Two samples, differing only in the ortho/para fraction of hydrogen, were prepared using heavy water and methyl tert-butyl ether as the promoter in its perdeuterated form. The INS spectrum of the translation-rotation (TR) excitations of the guest H₂ molecule was obtained by subtracting the very weak signal due to the D₂O lattice modes. By means of a subtraction procedure, it has been possible to obtain separately the spectra of caged p-H₂ and o-H₂. sH clathrates are comprised of three distinct types of cages, two of which, differing in shape and size, are each occupied by one H₂ molecule only. Both contribute to the measured INS spectrum which is, therefore, rather complex and challenging to assign unambiguously. To assist with the interpretation, the INS spectra are calculated accurately utilizing the quantum methodology which incorporates the coupled five-dimensional TR energy levels and wave functions of the H ₂ molecule confined in each type of nanocage. The computed INS spectra are highly realistic and reflect the complexity of the coupled TR dynamics of the guest H₂ in the anisotropic confining environment. The simulated INS spectra of p-H₂ and o-H₂ in the small and medium cages are compared with the experimental data, and are indispensable for their interpretation.