Phase separation of a binary liquid in anodic aluminium oxide templates: a structural study by small angle neutron scattering.

The radial nanostructure of the binary liquid triethylamine/water confined in 60 nm diameter independent cylindrical pores of anodic aluminium oxide membranes is studied by small angle neutron scattering. It is shown that composition inhomogeneities are present in the confined mixtures well below the bulk critical point. An analysis of the neutron scattering form factor reveals the existence of an adsorbed water layer of a few nanometers at the liquid/alumina interface, coexisting with a TEA-rich phase in the core.