Ions increase strength of hydrogen bond in water

Knowledge of water–water potential is important for an accurate description of water. Potential between two molecules depends upon the distance, relative orientation of each molecule and local environment. In simulation, water–water hydrogen bonds are handled by point-charge water potentials and by polarizable models. These models produce good results for bulk water being parameterized for such environment. Water around surfaces and in channels, however is different from bulk water. Using quantum-mechanical methods, hydrogen bond strength was calculated in the vicinity of different monoions. A simple empirical relationship was discovered between the maximum hydrogen bond and the electric field produced by ion.