Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10

Ion-Electron Coupling-Driven Redox Behavior in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Redox-active metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have long been proposed as electronic transport platforms, yet the microscopic origin of their conductivity remains debated. A theoretical demonstration reveals charge transport in a Zn(pyrazole–naphthalene diimide (NDI)) MOF arising not from delocalized band-like states but from redox hopping between discrete linker sites. Using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations combined with electronic structure analysis, we established a direct link among electron injection, structural reorganization, and transport. Electron accumulation proceeds sequentially and site-selectively from imide and carbonyl groups of the NDI core progressively involving pyrazole N atoms at higher reduction states, through a hierarchy of redox-active sites. In contrast, Zn nodes remain essentially redox-inactive, which confirms their structural role. Density-of-states analysis corroborates a transport regime dominated by linker-centered states with evolving p-character upon reduction, resulting in dynamically reconfigured conduction networks. Real-time trajectories reveal anisotropic linker-to-linker electron transfer modulated by counterion coordination. This cooperative ion–electron regime emerges from potential energy surface collapse into a single low-barrier transition (ΔG ‡ ≈ 45 meV), where ionic and electronic motions evolve adiabatically on the same free-energy landscape. Elucidating redox conductivity in Zn(pyrazole–NDI) MOFs provides a theoretical framework for use in neuromorphic computing and related technologies.

Charge transfer↗

Synthesis and characterization of low-dimensional N-heterocyclic carbene lattices

The covalent interaction of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) with transition metal atoms gives rise to distinctive frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs). These emergent electronic states have spurred the widespread adoption of NHC ligands in chemical catalysis and functional materials. Although formation of carbene-metal complexes in self-assembled monolayers on surfaces has been explored, design and electronic structure characterization of extended low-dimensional NHC-metal lattices remains elusive. Here, in this work, we demonstrate a modular approach to engineering one-dimensional (1D) metal-organic chains and two-dimensional (2D) Kagome lattices using the FMOs of NHC–Au–NHC junctions to create low-dimensional molecular networks exhibiting intrinsic metallicity. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy and first-principles density functional theory reveal the contribution of C–Au–C π-bonding states to dispersive bands that imbue 1D- and 2D-NHC lattices with exceptionally small work functions.

Qie, Boyu↗

N-type molecular doping of a semicrystalline conjugated polymer through cation exchange

Control of electrical doping is indispensable in any semiconductor device, and both efficient hole and electron doping are required for many devices. In organic semiconductors, however, electron doping has been essentially more problematic compared to hole doping because in general organic semiconductors have low electron affinities and require dopants with low ionization potentials that are often air-sensitive. Here, we adapt an efficient molecular doping method, so-called ion-exchange doping, to dope electrons in a polymeric semiconductor. We initially reduce the polymeric semiconductor using one electron transfer from molecular dopants, and then the ionized dopants in the resulting air-unstable films are replaced with secondary ions via cation exchange. Improved ambient stability and crystallinity of the doped polymeric semiconductors are achieved when a specific bulky molecular cation was chosen as the secondary ion, compared to conventional methods. The presented strategy can overcome the trade-off relationship between reducing capability and ambient stability in molecular dopants, and a wider selection of dopant ions will help to realize ambient-stable electron conductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Significant Efficiency Enhancements in Non‐Y Series Acceptors by the Addition of Outer Side Chains

Abstract Most current highly efficient organic solar cells utilize small molecules like Y6 and its derivatives as electron acceptors in the photoactive layer. In this work, a small molecule acceptor, SC8‐IT4F, is developed through outer side chain engineering on the terminal thiophene of a conjugated 6,12‐dihydro‐dithienoindeno[2,3‐d:2′,3′‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene (IDTT) central core. Compared to the reference molecule C8‐IT4F, which lacks outer side chains, SC8‐IT4F displays notable differences in molecule geometry (as shown by simulations), thermal behavior, single‐crystal packing, and film morphology. Blend films of SC8‐IT4F and the polymer donor PM6 exhibit larger carrier mobilities, longer carrier lifetimes, and reduced recombination compared to C8‐IT4F, resulting in improved device performance. Binary photovoltaic devices based on the PM6:SC8‐IT4F films reveal an optimal efficiency over 15%, which is one of the best values for non‐Y type small molecule acceptors (SMAs). The resultant devices also show better thermal and operational stability than the control PM6:L8‐BO devices. SC8‐IT4F and its blend exhibit a higher relative degree of crystallinity and π coherence length, compared to C8‐IT4F samples, beneficial for charge transport and device performance. The results indicate that outer side chain engineering on existing small electron acceptors can be a promising molecular design strategy for further pursuing high‐performance organic solar cells.

He, Qiao [Department of Chemistry and Centre for P↗

In Situ Analysis of Electron-Induced Chemical Transformations in Vapor-Phase-Synthesized Al-Based Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Thin Films for EUV Resist Platform

The rapid advancement and stringent requirements of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology necessitate the development of advanced photoresist systems for next-generation microelectronics. Recent studies have demonstrated that inorganic-based hybrid photoresists offer notable improvements in EUV sensitivity, etch resistance, and greater insusceptibility to pattern collapse compared to their purely organic counterparts. However, variations in the synthesis/coating approaches and chemistry of inorganic–organic photoresists can result in distinct exposure mechanisms. In this work, an Al-based hybrid thin film resist system synthesized via molecular (atomic) layer deposition (MLD or MALD) is explored, focusing on its electron-beam and EUV patterning mechanisms. The Al-based hybrid thin films are deposited using trimethylaluminum (TMA) and the organic precursor hydroquinone, exhibiting a saturated growth rate within the temperature range of 150–200°C. In diluted tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)-based developer solutions, the electron-irradiated Al-based hybrid thin film system behaves as a negative tone resist, achieving a sensitivity of 10.4 mC/cm 2 at 0.1 kV electron beam lithography (EBL). Chemical changes induced by electron exposure are also analyzed in this study using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and a unique infrared spectroscopy setup, revealing the potential cross-linking pathways. To further correlate the electron-induced chemical transformations with those mediated by EUV irradiations, a combination of X-ray photoemission electron microscopy/low-energy electron microscopy (XPEEM/LEEM) system is also employed. In conclusion, this study provides critical insights into the mechanisms underlying solubility switching and contributes to the design of advanced resist materials for EUV lithography.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Restoration of weak localization in bilayer graphene by a molecular thin film

Quantum coherent effects can be probed in multilayer graphene through electronic transport measurements at low temperatures. In particular, bilayer graphene (BLG) is known to be susceptible to quantum interference corrections of the conductivity, presenting weak localization at all electronic densities, and dependent on different scattering mechanisms such as those related to the trigonal warping of the electron dispersion near the K and K′ valleys. Proximity effects with a molecular thin film influence these scattering mechanisms, which can be quantified through the known theory of magnetoconductance for BLG. Here, we present electronic transport measurements in a copper-phthalocyanine (CuPc) / BLG / hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) heterostructure that suggest the restoration of weak localization in BLG, associated to a reduction of trigonal warping effects, that are known to suppress weak localization in BLG. Additionally, we observe a charge transfer of 3.6×10 12 cm −2 from the BLG to the molecules, as well as a very small degradation of the mobility of the BLG/h-BN heterostructure upon the deposition of CuPc. The molecular arrangement of the CuPc thin film is characterized in a control sample through transmission electron microscopy, that we relate to the electronic transport results.

bilayer graphene↗

Electronic structure and magnetic tendencies of trilayer La 4 Ni 3 O 10 under pressure: Structural transition, molecular orbitals, and layer differentiation

Motivated by the recent observation of superconductivity in the pressurized trilayer Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) nickelate La 4 Ni 3 O 10 , we explore its structural, electronic, and magnetic properties as a function of hydrostatic pressure from first-principles calculations. We find that an orthorhombic (monoclinic)-to-tetragonal transition under pressure takes place concomitantly with the onset of superconductivity. The electronic structure of La 4 Ni 3 O 10 can be understood using a molecular trimer basis wherein n molecular subbands arise as the d z 2 orbitals hybridize strongly along the c axis within the trilayer. The magnetic tendencies indicate that the ground state at ambient pressure is formed by nonmagnetic inner planes and stripe-ordered outer planes that are antiferromagnetically coupled along the c axis, resulting in an unusual ↑, 0, ↓ stacking that is consistent with the spin density wave model previously suggested by neutron diffraction. Such a state is destabilized at the pressure where superconductivity arises. Despite the presence of d z 2 states at the Fermi level, the d x 2 –y 2 orbitals also play a key role in the electronic structure of La4Ni3O10. Finally, this active role of the d x 2 –y 2 states in the low-energy physics of the trilayer RP nickelate, together with the distinct electronic behavior of the inner and outer planes, resembles the physics of multilayer cuprates.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Enhancing the Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance Signal of Organic Molecular Qubits

In quantum information science and sensing, electron spins are often purified into a specific polarization through an optical-spin interface, a process known as optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR). Diamond-NV centers and transition metals are both excellent platforms for these so-called color centers, while metal-free molecular analogues are also gaining popularity for their extended polarization lifetimes, milder environmental impacts, and reduced costs. In our earlier attempt at designing such organic high-spin π-diradicals, we proposed to spin-polarize by shelving triplet M S = ±1 populations as singlets. This was recently verified by experiments albeit with low ODMR contrasts of <1% at temperatures above 5 K. In this work, we propose to improve the ODMR signal by moving singlet populations back into the triplet M S = 0 sublevel, designing a true carbon-based molecular analogue to the NV center. Our proposal is based upon transition-orbital and group-theoretical analyses of beyond-nearest-neighbor spin–orbit couplings, which are further confirmed by ab initio calculations of a realistic trityl-based radical dimer. Microkinetic analyses point toward high ODMR contrasts of around 30% under experimentally feasible conditions, a stark improvement from previous works. Finally, in our quest toward ground-state optically addressable molecular spin qubits, we exemplify how our symmetry-based design avoids Zeeman-induced singlet–triplet mixings, setting the scene for realizing electron spin qubit gates.

Group theory↗

Impact of atomic substitution on core-hole relaxation dynamics: A study of Br 2 and IBr

Understanding inner-shell decay processes in heavy-element molecules is essential for unraveling x-ray-induced photodynamics and advancing molecular imaging techniques. Here, in this study, we investigate the influence of atomic substitution on core-hole relaxation dynamics and molecular fragmentation in Br 2 and IBr, initiated by x-ray ionization absorption at the Br K-edge. Using a combination of x-ray/ion coincidence measurements and Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulations, we track the charge distribution and the kinetic energy release (KER) of fragment ions with a total charge from 2+ to 8+. For both molecules, the simulated KER values show good agreement with experiment across different fragmentation channels. Our comparison reveals that substituting Br with the heavier I atom in IBr has a minimal impact on the inner-shell electronic decay process but significantly influences nuclear motion, leading to slower dissociation and thus a KER close to the Coulomb limit—an effect attributed to the atomic mass. These findings highlight the interplay between electronic and nuclear effects in molecular fragmentation, particularly in heavy-element species, and provide new insights into medical therapies, structural biology, and astrophysics.

Bhat, Nivedita [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL),↗

Exploring the chemical dynamics of phenanthrene (C 14 H 10 ) formation via the bimolecular gas-phase reaction of the phenylethynyl radical (C 6 H 5 CC) with benzene (C 6 H 6 )

The exploration of the fundamental formation mechanisms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is crucial for the understanding of molecular mass growth processes leading to two- and three-dimensional carbonaceous nanostructures (nanosheets, graphenes, nanotubes, buckyballs) in extraterrestrial environments (circumstellar envelopes, planetary nebulae, molecular clouds) and combustion systems. While key studies have been conducted exploiting traditional, high-temperature mechanisms such as the hydrogen abstraction–acetylene addition (HACA) and phenyl addition–dehydrocyclization (PAC) pathways, the complexity of extreme environments highlights the necessity of investigating chemically diverse mass growth reaction mechanisms leading to PAHs. Employing the crossed molecular beams technique coupled with electronic structure calculations, we report on the gas-phase synthesis of phenanthrene (C 14 H 10 )—a three-ring, 14π benzenoid PAH—via a phenylethynyl addition–cyclization–aromatization mechanism, featuring bimolecular reactions of the phenylethynyl radical (C 6 H 5 CC, X 2 A 1 ) with benzene (C 6 H 6 ) under single collision conditions. The dynamics involve a phenylethynyl radical addition to benzene without entrance barrier leading eventually to phenanthrene via indirect scattering dynamics through C 14 H 11 intermediates. The barrierless nature of reaction allows rapid access to phenanthrene in low-temperature environments such as cold molecular clouds which can reach temperatures as low as 10 K. Furthermore, this mechanism constitutes a unique, low-temperature framework for the formation of PAHs as building blocks in molecular mass growth processes to carbonaceous nanostructures in extraterrestrial environments thus affording critical insight into the low-temperature hydrocarbon chemistry in our universe.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An Unconventional Dark Radical Chemistry in Dense Molecular Clouds: Directed Gas-Phase Formation of Naphthyl Radicals

The synthetic pathways to aromatic molecules inside photon-shielded dense molecular clouds remain a fundamental, unsolved enigma in astrochemistry and astrophysics, with low-temperature molecular growth routes involving aromatic radicals, such as prototype bicyclic naphthyl (C 10 H 7 • ), implicated as key sources. Here, exploiting crossed molecular beam experiments augmented by electronic structure calculations, unexpected pathways are exposed leading to the gas-phase formation of 1- and 2-naphthyl via barrierless bimolecular reactions of atomic carbon (C) with indene (C 9 H 8 ) and of dicarbon (C 2 ) with styrene (C 8 H 8 ) accompanied by ring expansion and cyclization together with aromatization. These facile routes challenge conventional wisdom that aromatic radicals are formed in deep space solely via “bright” gas-phase photochemistry of their closed-shell polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) precursors. A hitherto disregarded “dark” aromatic radical chemistry with aromatic radicals synthesized via gas-phase reactions offers new concepts on the chemical evolution of the chemistry of dark molecular clouds eventually culminating in the rapid formation of aromatics, fullerenes, and carbonaceous nanostructures.

Aromatic compounds↗

Binding the Power of Cycloaddition and Cross-Coupling in a Single Mechanism: An Unexpected Bending Journey to Radical Chemistry of Butadiynyl with Conjugated Dienes

What if an experiment could combine the power of cycloaddition and cross-coupling with the in situ formation of an aromatic molecule in a single collision? Crossed molecular beam experiments augmented with electronic structure and statistical calculations provided compelling evidence on a novel radical route involving 1,3-butadiynyl (HCCCC; X 2 Σ + ) radicals synthesizing (substituted) arylacetylenes in the gas phase upon reactions with 1,3-butadiene (CH 2 CHCHCH 2 ; X 1 Ag) and 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene; CH 2 C(CH 3 )CHCH 2 ; X 1 A'). Furthermore, this elegant mechanism de facto merges two previously disconnected concepts of cross-coupling and cycloaddition–aromatization in a single collision event via the formation of two new C(sp 2 )–C(sp 2 ) bonds and bending the 180° moiety of the linear 1,3-butadiynyl radical out of the ordinary by 60° to 120°. In addition to its importance to fundamental organic chemistry, this unconventional mechanism links two previously separated routes of gas-phase molecular mass growth processes of polyacetylenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), respectively, in low-temperature environments such as in cold molecular clouds like the Taurus Molecular Cloud (TMC-1) and in hydrocarbon-rich atmospheres of planets and their moons such as Titan, what revises the established understanding of low-temperature molecular mass growth processes in the Universe.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

From the laboratory to space: unveiling isomeric diversity of C 5 H 2 in the reaction of tricarbon (C 3 , X 1 Σ g + ) with the vinyl radical (C 2 H 3 , X 2 A′)

By connecting laboratory dynamics with cosmic observables, this work highlights the critical role of reactions between highly reactive species in shaping the molecular inventory of the interstellar medium and opens new windows into the spectroscopically elusive corners of astrochemical complexity. The gas phase formation of distinct C 5 H 2 isomers is explored through the bimolecular reaction of tricarbon (C 3 , X 1 Σ + g ) with the vinyl radical (C 2 H 3 , X 2 A′) at a collision energy of 44 ± 1 kJ mol −1 employing the crossed molecular beam technique augmented by electronic structure and Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) calculations. This barrierless and exoergic reaction follows indirect dynamics and is initiated by the addition of tricarbon to the radical center of the vinyl radical forming a Cs symmetric doublet collisional complex (CCCCHCH 2 ). Subsequent low-barrier isomerization steps culminate in the resonantly stabilized 2,4-pentadiynyl-1 radical (CHCCCCH 2 ), which decomposes via atomic hydrogen loss. Statistical calculations identify linear, triplet pentadiynylidene (p2, X 3 Σ − g ) as the dominant product, while singlet carbenes ethynylcyclopropenylidene (p1, X 1 A′), pentatetraenylidene (p3, X 1 A 1 ), and ethynylpropadienylidene (p4, X 1 A′) are formed with lower branching ratios. The least stable isomer, 2-cyclopropen-1-ylidenethenylidene (‘eiffelene’; p5, X 1 A 1 ), remains thermodynamically feasible, but exhibits negligible branching ratios. Two isomers detected in TMC-1 to date (p1 and p3) possess significant dipole moments making them amenable to radio telescopic observations, whereas linear pentadiynylidene (p2; D ∞h ) is only traceable via infrared spectroscopy or through its cyanopentadiynylidene derivative (HCCCCCCN). This study highlights the isomer diversity accessed in the low temperature hydrocarbon chemistry of barrierless and exoergic bimolecular reactions involving two unstable, reactants in cold molecular clouds.

Medvedkov, Iakov A. [University of Hawai'i at Mano↗

Detecting the full photoemission cone from laser-based ARPES experiments by leveraging deflector technology

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) provides a direct access to the electronic band structure of solid and molecular systems. The momentum range accessible by this technique depends directly on the photon energy used, and low-photon-energy sources are insufficient to photoemit electrons over the full Brillouin zone of most quantum materials. In addition, while electrons are emitted over a 2π solid angle, conventional hemispherical analyzers only collect a small subset of those electrons. A previous work [Gauthier et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 92, 123907 (2021)] demonstrated that electrons emitted over a larger field-of-view can be acquired in one fixed configuration by accelerating them toward the analyzer with a bias voltage. Here, in this study, we extend this work by leveraging the deflector technology of novel ARPES hemispherical analyzers. We demonstrate the ability to detect all 2π photoemitted electrons in a fixed configuration for various materials, such as gold, cuprates, and transition-metal dichalcogenides. This approach is especially advantageous for time-resolved ARPES, as electron dynamics over a large momentum range can be accessed with identical measurement conditions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Influence of substitution pattern on the dynamics of internal conversion and intersystem crossing in thiopyridone isomers

We report a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the ultrafast internal conversion (IC) and intersystem crossing (ISC) dynamics of two thiopyridone (TP) isomers in solution. Our study used ultrafast transient X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the sulfur K-edge, in conjunction with electronic excited state surface hopping molecular dynamics and simulations of the excited state XAS, to investigate the impact of the functional group substitution pattern and solvent on the dynamics of IC and ISC. The combination of the localized X-ray probe and the simulation results enables, in part, the differentiation between ππ* and nπ* character excited states, as well as singlet and triplet states. Access to nπ* character excitations has particular value since they often prove challenging to assess with optical spectroscopy. For 2-TP, the photoexcited S 2 (ππ*) state rapidly undergoes IC to the S 1 (nπ*) state below the instrument response time, followed by ISC to the T 1 (ππ*) state on a timescale of 600 fs in acetonitrile. For 4-TP, the timescale of S 2 to S 1 IC increases to 330 fs and the timescale of ISC increases to more than 10 ps. The differences between isomers are rationalized by considering the key role of the, nπ* intermediates in mediating the intersystem crossing of these systems. Varying the substitution pattern of the molecule can stabilize or destabilize these intermediates leading to the increase in ISC rate in the ortho isomer as compared to the para isomer, while changing the solvent from acetonitrile to water had minimal effect on the electronic excited state relaxation mechanism.

Garratt, Douglas [SLAC National Accelerator Labora↗

Engineering diamond interfaces free of dark spins

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are utilized extensively as quantum sensors for imaging fields at the nanoscale. The ultrahigh sensitivity of NV magnetometers has enabled the detection and spectroscopy of individual electron spins, with potentially far-reaching applications in condensed matter physics, spintronics, and molecular biology. However, the surfaces of these diamond sensors naturally contain electron spins, which create a background signal that can be hard to differentiate from the signal of the target spins. In this study, we develop a surface modification approach that eliminates the unwanted signal of these so-called dark electron spins. Our surface passivation technique, based on coating diamond surfaces with a thin titanium oxide (Ti⁢O 2 ) layer, reduces the dark spin density. The observed reduction in dark spin density aligns with our findings on the electronic structure of the diamond-Ti⁢O 2 interface. The reduction, from a typical value of 2000 μm −2 to a value below that set by the detection limit of our NV sensors (200 μm −2 ), results in a twofold increase in Hahn-echo coherence time of near surface NV centers. Furthermore, we derive a comprehensive spin model that connects dark spin relaxation with NV coherence, providing additional insights into the mechanisms behind the observed spin dynamics. Our findings are directly transferable to other quantum platforms, including nanoscale solid-state qubits and superconducting qubits.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Exploring direct photodetachment and photodissociation–photodetachment dynamics of platinum iodide anions (PtI n - , n = 2–5) using cryogenic photoelectron spectroscopy

The direct photodetachment and two-photon photodissociation–photodetachment processes of a series of PtI n - (n = 2–5) anions were systematically studied using cryogenic anion photoelectron spectroscopy and first-principles electronic structure calculations. The adiabatic/vertical detachment energies (ADEs/VDEs) of these anions were determined from their 193 nm photoelectron (PE) spectra, i.e., 3.54/3.63, 4.04/4.09, 4.33/4.36, and 4.37/4.41 eV for n = 2–5, respectively, and well reproduced by B3LYP-D3(BJ)/aug-cc-pVTZ-pp calculations. As the coordination number increases, the electron affinity (EA) of PtI n • (n = 2–5) neutrals (equivalent to the corresponding anion’s ADE) gradually increases, exceeding the EA of Cl at n = 3 and exhibiting superhalogen characteristics for n ≥ 3. Meanwhile, the ground state transition contributed from detaching electrons in the highest occupied molecular orbital gradually evolves from the central metal Pt to the iodine ligands. For the PtI 3 - anion, besides one-photon direct detachment, four distinct two-photon photodissociation–photodetachment channels were identified, and the competition between them was discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗