Complex atomic dynamics in a deep-eutectic binary metallic melt

Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) was used to explore relaxation processes in a deep-eutectic Ce ₈₀Ni ₂₀ melt over a temperature range of 750 K, i.e., from 775 K to 1525 K. At low temperatures (T ≤ 890 K), the self-correlation function shows a fast β-relaxation process. The α-relaxation process displays stretching of the self-correlation and obeys a time-temperature superposition principle that extends over the entire measured temperature range. Even though the decay of the self-correlation functions of the Ce ₈₀Ni ₂₀ melt exhibit that of glass-forming melts, the temperature dependence of self-diffusivity displays an Arrhenius behavior, as observed for many simple, non-glass forming liquids. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.