A measurement of the structure of the superionic conductor copper(I) bromide in its liquid phase by neutron diffraction

Abstract

The scattering of thermal neutrons from samples of molten CuBr has been measured on the D4B liquids diffractometer at the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble. The three partial structure factors and pair distribution functions for this liquid have been determined by isotopic substitution of copper. The investigation reveals a featureless cation-cation partial structure factor and distribution function, and a considerable degree of first-shell penetration by the copper ions. Similarities of the cation-cation structure to that previously found for CuCl, and evidence of an even greater cation mobility, are consistent with a reduced charge transfer model for these liquids which melt from a superionic phase.