2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry to Probe Water Binding in Hydrated Salts

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Brian McClain

Abstract

Hydrated ionic compounds comprise a broad class of inorganic salts with diverse crystalline structures. Upon heating, these salts release water in discrete dehydration steps, reflecting differences in water binding environments and associated enthalpies. In this study, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to selectively dehydrate hydrated salts and quantify the enthalpies of bound water. We hypothesized that water molecules in hydrated salts exhibit nonuniform binding energies due to distinct structural environments within the crystal lattice, leading to variations in hydrogen bonding and metal–water coordination. The results show that each salt displays a characteristic distribution of water binding energies, indicating a strong dependence on crystal structure and local coordination. These binding energies can be categorized into three primary interaction types: coordination-bound, adjacent (hydrogen-bonded), and interstitial water. Distinguishing these energetically distinct water populations provides insight into the underlying chemical interactions governing stability and dehydration behavior in hydrated inorganic salts.

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