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At least 181 records · Page 10

Artificial intelligence “sees” split electrons

Chemical bonds between atoms are stabilized by the exchange-correlation (xc) energy, a quantum-mechanical effect in which “social distancing” by electrons lowers their electrostatic repulsion energy. Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) states that the electron density determines this xc energy, but the density functional must be approximated. Furthermore, this is usually done by satisfying exact constraints of the exact functional (making the approximation predictive), by fitting to data (making it interpolative), or both. Two exact constraints—the ensemble-based piecewise linear variation of the total energy with respect to fractional electron number and fractional electron z-component of spin —require hard-to-control nonlocality. On page 1385 of this issue, Kirkpatrick et al. have taken a big step toward more accurate predictions for chemistry through the machine learning of molecular data plus the fractional charge and spin constraints, expressed as data that a machine can learn.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Thermodynamic and Kinetic Roles of H2 in Structure Evolution of Urchin-like Co: A density functional theory study

Small gas molecules working as good capping agents play important roles in controlling the morphologies and surface structures of the metal nanocrystals. In present work, the thermodynamic and kinetic roles of H2 molecule played on the morphology of Co nanocrystal were systematically studied based on density functional theory (DFT). The Gibbs surface free energies (?) of Co(100), Co(110) and Co(111) under different hydrogen surface coverages were investigated by ab initio thermodynamics, based on which i) the phase diagrams of stable H coverage on each plane were obtained; ii) the morphology evolutions of the Co nanocrystals with various surface hydrogen coverages were further predicted by Wulff construction. It was revealed that addition of H2 could change the facet stability generating diverse morphological Co nucleus. The kinetic role of H2 was further explored by DFT during adatom Co surface diffusions under different H coverages (?H), which suggested that except for Co(100) at ?H of 0.56 ML, the surface H would hinder Co surface diffusions. The projected density of state (PDOS) gave a deeper insight that the electronic structures of the Co adatom could be alerted by addition of the surface H, which thereby affected its surface diffusion ability. X. Wang, N. Liu, Q. Zhang, X. Liang, and B. Chen were financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21476012, 21571012, and 91534201). D. Mei was supported by the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a multiprogram national laboratory operated for DOE by Battelle. Computing time was granted by the facility user proposal grand challenge of computational catalysis of the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL). EMSL is a national scientific user facility located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and sponsored by DOE’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research.

Nanocrystal Co, Surface free energy, Surface diffu↗

Model form and sensitivity analysis of CALPHAD-based nucleation models in b-stabilized Ti alloys

Accurate prediction of α-phase nucleation and growth in β-stabilized titanium alloys is crucial for designing heat treatments to optimize mechanical properties in additively manufactured lightweight components. Ideally, predictions of nucleation and growth would incorporate both top-down observations of past experimental heat treatments and bottom-up modeling of phase transformations; however, the appropriate method of combining these information sources is not self-evident. Combining top-down and bottom-up information requires a unified form of model that can connect between spatiotemporal scales, as well as sets of fitting parameters that can be identified by each data source. The selection of which parameters to fit to which data source can be made based on expert opinion, or by performing a sensitivity analysis. In solid-solid nucleation, direct observation of the nucleation and growth process is challenging. Most data on the heat treatment-controlled phase transformations are not in-situ. To predict the process and outcome of the nucleation, growth and coarsening of precipitates, theoretical models of the nucleation pathway are used to bridge the gap. Many sources of uncertainty affect the modeling of this nucleation process. It can be influenced by small variations in the thermomechanical processing history, chemical composition, and initial microstructure. If molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to determine thermodynamic quantities and inform CALPHAD modeling, additional uncertainty can be introduced and accounted for using Bayesian methods. Top-down uncertainties require additional steps to quantify. The influence of nucleation model form on the sensitivity of predictions to input parameters and physical conditions is the focus of this study. Classical nucleation theory (CNT) allows modeling to formulate the nucleation as homogeneous or, more commonly, heterogeneous. Non-classical nucleation models are also increasingly explored as a means of reconciling top-down and bottom-up data. In this study, the sensitivity of the intragranular nucleation of α in a β-annealed, slow-cooled aging (BASCA) heat treatment of β-stabilized Ti5553 alloy is explored using CNT and both heterogeneous and homogeneous assumptions. The Kampmann-Wagner Numerical model of precipitate nucleation and growth is employed. Using open-source tools (pyCalphad and thermodynamic modeling of TiMo as a surrogate system, a sensitivity analysis is performed to measure variations in key parameters, including chemical driving force, interfacial energy, and diffusivity, as they relate to predictions of precipitate number density. The inclusion of top-down and bottom-up data in selection of nucleation model form is discussed.

Rodriguez Negron, A. M.↗

What are the Principles Controlling Biomimetic Heteropolymer Secondary Structure? (Final Technical Report)

The goal of the project was to develop improved theories to understand how nonbiological oligomers could be designed to cooperatively fold into 3D structures. These studies would lay the groundwork for materials made of such molecules, making it possible to create controlled and ordered materials for electron transport, efficient protein-like catalysts that work under extreme conditions, and sensors with highly-specific chemical responsiveness. Two different simulation thrusts were investigated, one focused on programs to identify stable low energy folded structures at a coarse-level of description of oligomers, and another to calculate thermodynamics of such oligomers. We used these theories to answer several specific questions about what properties of oligomers lead to cooperative transitions, and to identify how oligomer knots could serve as secondary structure elements. We also carried out significant collaborative investigation with Dr. Samuel Gellman (UW-Madison, National Academy of Sciences member) on stability for foldamers of interest to them. Only one of the experimentally tested foldamers stably folded, which was indicated by simulations as being the most likely to fold. Finally, we developed new theoretical descriptions of foldamers, showing how cooperativity was determined primarily by the entropy difference between the folded and unfolded state. The research did not answer all questions laid out in the original proposal but laid the groundwork for later efforts to design folded oligomers materials with high switchability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Light-enhanced oxygen degradation of MAPbBr 3 single crystal

Organometal halide perovskites are promising materials for optoelectronic applications, whose commercial realization depends critically on their stability under multiple environmental factors. In this study, a methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr 3 ) single crystal was cleaved and exposed to simultaneous oxygen and light illumination under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). The exposure process was monitored using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with precise control of the exposure time and oxygen pressure. It was found that the combination of oxygen and light accelerated the degradation of MAPbBr 3 , which could not be viewed as a simple addition of that by oxygen-only and light-only exposures. The XPS spectra showed significant loss of carbon, bromine, and nitrogen at an oxygen exposure of 10 10 Langmuir with light illumination, approximately 17 times of the additive effects of oxygen-only and light-only exposures. It was also found that the photoluminescence (PL) emission was much weakened by oxygen and light co-exposure, while previous reports had shown that PL was substantially enhanced by oxygen-only exposure. Measurements using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) demonstrated that the crystal surface was much roughened by the co-exposure. Furthermore, Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the formation of superoxide and oxygen induced gap state, suggesting the creation of oxygen radicals by light illumination as a possible microscopic driving force for enhanced degradation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Influence of aluminum incorporation and aqueous conditions on metal ion release of high-Ni transition metal oxide nanomaterials

Developing a materials perspective of how to control the degradation and negative impact of complex metal oxides requires an integrated understanding of how these nanomaterials transform in the environment and interact with biological systems. Doping with aluminum is known to stabilize oxide materials, but has not been assessed cohesively from synthesis to environmental fate and biological impact. In the present study, the influence of aluminum doping on metal ion release from transition metal oxides was investigated by comparing aqueous transformations of lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNi 0.82 Co 0.15 Al 0.03 O 2 ; NCA) and lithium nickel cobalt oxide (LiNi 0.80 Co 0.20 O 2 ; NC) nanoparticles and by calculating the energetics of metal release using a density functional theory (DFT) and thermodynamics method. Two model environmental organisms were used to assess biological impact, and metal ion release was compared for NCA and NC nanoparticles incubated in their respective growth media: moderately hard reconstituted water (MHRW) for the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna (D. magna) and minimal growth medium for the Gram-negative bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (S. oneidensis). Further, the amount of metal ions released was reduced for NCA compared to NC in MHRW, which correlated to changes in the modeled energetics of release upon Al substitution in the lattice. In minimal medium, metal ion release was approximately an order of magnitude higher compared to MHRW and was similar to the stoichiometry of the bulk nanoparticles for both NCA and NC. Interpretation of the release profiles and modeling indicated that the increase in total metal ion release and the reduced influence of Al doping arises from lactate complexation of metal ions in solution. The relative biological impacts of NC and NCA exposure for both S. oneidensis and D. magna were consistent with the metal release trends observed for minimal medium and MHRW, respectively. Together, these results demonstrate how a combined experimental and computational approach provides valuable insight into the aqueous transformations and biological impacts of complex metal oxide nanoparticles.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Vacancy formation energies and migration barriers in multi-principal element alloys

Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) continue to garner interest as structural and plasma-facing materials due to their structural (phase) stability and increased resistance to radiation damage. Despite sensitivity of mechanical behavior to irradiation and point-defect formation, there has been scant attention on understanding vacancy stability and diffusion in refractory-based MPEAs. Using density-functional theory, we examine vacancy stability and diffusion barriers in body-centered cubic (Mo 0.95 W 0.05 ) 0.85 Ta 0.10 (TiZr) 0.05 . The results in this MPEA show strong dependence on environment, originating from local lattice distortion associated with charge-transfer between neighboring atoms that vary with different chemical environments. We find a correlation between degree of lattice distortion and migration barrier: (Ti, Zr) with less distortion have lower barriers, while (Mo, W) with larger distortion have higher barriers, depending up local environments. Under irradiation, our findings suggest that (Ti, Zr) are significantly more likely to diffuse than (Mo, W) while Ta shows intermediate effect. Finally, material degradation caused by vacancy diffusion can be controlled by tuning composition of alloying elements to enhance creep strength at extreme operating temperatures and harsh conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Osmotic control of the spacing of parallel shear cracks in shale growing subcritically in geologic past

The geological genesis of natural cracks in sedimentary rocks such as shale is a problem that needs to be understood to improve the technology of hydraulic fracturing as well as deep sequestration of harmful fluids. Why are the vertical natural cracks roughly parallel and equidistant, and why is the spacing roughly 10 cm rather than 1 cm or 100 cm? Fracture mechanics of critical cracks cannot answer this question. Neither can the material heterogeneity. The growth of critical parallel cracks is impossible because the relative crack face displacements would immediately localize into one crack, leading to an earthquake. The cracks must have formed, on the tectonic time scale, by a slow growth of subcritical shear cracks governed by the Charles-Evans law. The idea advanced here is that what controls the crack spacing is the balance between the reduction, due to shear dilatancy, of the concentration of ions such as Na + and Cl - in each fracture process zone (PFZ), which decelerates the cracks, and the restoration of ion concentration by diffusion of ions from the space between the cracks into the FPZ. This diffusion of water is driven mainly by the osmotic pressure gradient, which offsets the deceleration and depends strongly on the crack spacing. A simple analytical solution of the steady state is rendered possible by approximating the ion concentration profiles between adjacent cracks by parabolic arcs. Applying this theory to Woodford shale yields the approximate crack spacing of 10 cm, which is realistic. Furthermore, the stability of unlimited parallel mode II frictional crack growth is proven by examining the second variation of the free energy. Water concentration drop in the FPZ due to shear dilatancy and its restoration by water diffusion from the inter-crack space have similar effect, although probably much weaker.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Copper-Based Catalysts Confined in Carbon Nanocage Reactors for Condensed Ester Hydrogenation: Tuning Copper Species by Confined SiO 2 and Methanol Resistance

Hydrogenation of aliphatic esters to natural alcohols is an important strategy for the efficient utilization of biomass-derived oils. The synthesis of highly active copper (Cu)-based catalysts is a challenge for condensed-phase ester hydrogenation due to the difficulties in controlling active sites and catalyst deactivation. In this work, a copper-based catalyst confined in a carbon nanocage reactor was successfully designed and prepared. The copper catalyst with 56 wt % SiO 2 exhibited the best performance because of the optimum proportion of Cu + and Cu 0 sites and high dispersion. The interaction between SiO 2 and Cu particles contributes to the formation of Cu + species, which is the key site for the adsorption of carbonyl groups. Meanwhile, the confinement effect of the carbon nanocages effectively inhibited the agglomeration of the copper particles. The catalysts exhibited not only excellent thermal stability but also superior methanol resistance in comparison with the Cu/SiO 2 catalyst. On the basis of the density functional theory (DFT) calculations results, methanol resistance should be attributed to the fewer hydroxyl groups on the catalyst surface, which increase the activation barrier for the dissociation of silica, allowing the stable holding of the copper species in the methanol solvent.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Wind Power as a Virtual Synchronous Generator (WindVSG)

This project investigated the theory, implemented it in hardware, and validated the Wind as a Virtual Isochronous Generator (WindVSG) concept by combining the advantages of modern dynamic inverter technologies with static, dynamic, and transient electromechanical properties of synchronous machines. During this project we demonstrated how to control the inverters of wind turbine generators (wind alone or in parallel with other GFM sources, such battery energy storage) so that wind power behaves like a synchronous machine-based power plant with a conventional prime mover. For this purpose, testing was conducted at NLR ARIES facility with real 2.5 MW wind-turbine generator operating in GFM mode under dynamic and transient conditions. The team also developed models and conducted simulations for GFM wind power to evaluate stability impacts of GFM operation on power grid. This report describes efforts by the NLR team working in collaboration GE Vernova during 3-year project.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Extended Gutzwiller Approximation for Nonlocal Electron-Electron and Electron-Boson Correlations (I): The Theory

Understanding electron-electron and electron-photon correlations is central to uncovering the fundamental mechanisms governing material properties, particularly in systems where strong interactions give rise to emergent phenomena such as superconductivity, magnetism, and polaritonic effects. These correlations play a pivotal role in cavity quantum materials, where hybridized light-matter states enable quantum control over electronic properties. However, capturing both local and nonlocal correlations in these systems presents a significant theoretical challenge. In this work, we extend the Gutzwiller wavefunction method to include nonlocal electron-photon and electron-electron interactions, providing a unified framework to study the intricate interplay between these effects. Our approach accurately captures the long-range correlations induced by photon exchange, enabling the exploration of exotic quantum phases and the effects of cavity coupling on electronic structure. By benchmarking the method across coupling regimes, we reveal the critical role of nonlocal correlations in stabilizing phases, such as superconducting and insulating states, that are inaccessible through local interactions alone. This generalized Gutzwiller framework offers a versatile tool for understanding and designing materials that harness the transformative potential of strong light-matter coupling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Achieving Electrode Smoothing by Controlling the Nucleation Phase of Metal Deposition Through Polymer‐Substrate Binding

Polymer additives [like polyethylene oxide (PEO)] are widely used for smooth electrode deposition in aqueous zinc and many other battery systems. However, the precise mechanism by which they regulate morphology and suppress dendrite formation remains unclear. In this study, the knowledge gap is addressed by using in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy to directly observe the interfacial evolution during Zn electrodeposition and polymer adsorption on Cu substrates in the presence of varying concentrations of ZnSO 4 and PEO. Contrary to previous literature assumptions, which emphasize the binding to the growing Zn crystal surfaces or Zn 2+ ions, the results demonstrate that PEO smooths Zn films by promoting nucleation of (002)-oriented Zn platelets through interactions with the Cu substrate. Density functional theory simulations support this finding by showing that PEO adsorption on Cu modifies the interfacial energy of Zn/Cu/electrolyte interfaces, favoring the stabilization of Zn (002) on the Cu substrate, as well as confines Zn electrodeposition to a narrow near-surface region. In conclusion, these findings elucidate a novel design principle for electrode smoothing, emphasizing the importance of substrate selection paired with polymer additives that exhibit an attractive interaction with the substrate but minimal interaction with growing crystals, offering a mechanistic perspective for improved battery performance.

Electrodeposition↗

Reversing the Irreversible: Thermodynamic Stabilization of LiAlH 4 Nanoconfined Within a Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Host

A general problem when designing functional nanomaterials for energy storage is the lack of control over the stability and reactivity of metastable phases. Using the high-capacity hydrogen storage candidate LiAlH4 as an exemplar, we demonstrate an alternative approach to the thermodynamic stabilization of metastable metal hydrides by coordination to nitrogen binding sites within the nanopores of N-doped CMK-3 carbon (NCMK-3). The resulting LiAlH 4 @NCMK-3 material releases H 2 at temperatures as low as 126 °C with full decomposition below 240 °C, bypassing the usual Li 3 AlH 6 intermediate observed in bulk. Moreover, >80% of LiAlH 4 can be regenerated under 100 MPa H 2 , a feat previously thought to be impossible. Nitrogen sites are critical to these improvements, as no reversibility is observed with undoped CMK-3. Density functional theory predicts a drastically reduced Al–H bond dissociation energy and supports the observed change in the reaction pathway. Finally, the calculations also provide a rationale for the solid-state reversibility, which derives from the combined effects of nanoconfinement, Li adatom formation, and charge redistribution between the metal hydride and the host.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Pseudo–Jahn–Teller Distortion in a One-Dimensional π-Conjugated Polymer

Structural distortions in low-dimensional π-conjugated systems profoundly influence their electronic properties, but the control of such behavior in laterally extended systems remains challenging. Here, in this study, we demonstrate that a one-dimensional conjugated polymer─ poly -(difluorenoheptalene-ethynylene) (PDFHE)─undergoes a pronounced out-of-plane backbone distortion, equivalent to a spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) of its mirror symmetry. We synthesized PDFHE on noble metal surfaces and characterized its structure and electronic states using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Rather than adopting a planar, high-symmetry conformation, PDFHE relaxes into nonplanar isomers stabilized by a pseudo–Jahn–Teller (PJT) distortion having mirror-odd out-of-plane character. The distortion lowers the total energy and increases the band gap, providing a concise rationale for the observed symmetry breaking. Density functional theory calculations corroborate these findings, providing a microscopic explanation for the SSB. Our results show that even in mechanically robust extended π-systems, subtle electron–lattice coupling can spontaneously drive significant structural rearrangements, even in mechanically robust extended π-systems.

conformation↗

Structural Anisotropy Determining the Oxygen Evolution Mechanism of Strongly Correlated Perovskite Nickelate Electrocatalyst

The regulation of reactive centers by involving the participation of lattice oxygen has been reported as an effective strategy for lowering the reaction barrier for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the control of the OER pathway by taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of catalysts remains a challenging task. Herein, we adopt perovskite nickelate (i.e., NdNiO3 (NNO)) and establish the link between structural anisotropy and the OER catalytic mechanism. The results elucidate that NNO with (100), (110), and (111) orientations display similar oxidative states and metal–oxygen covalency characteristics but distinct OER activities following the order of (100) > (110) > (111). Density function theory (DFT) results confirm that film orientation is a critical determinant of the reaction mechanism. The OER on (100)-NNO favors proceeding via a lattice-oxygen-mediated mechanism (LOM). In contrast, the reaction on (110)-NNO and (111)-NNO follows the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM). The anisotropic oxygen vacancy formation energy and stability are strongly correlated to the reaction mechanism and performance, which can be described in brief by the metal–oxygen bond valence. Furthermore, our results are a step toward achieving the long-sought convenient approach to tune the OER mechanism, which is applicable for a wide range of sustainable energy-related devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Highly Asymmetric Graphene Layer Doping and Band Structure Manipulation in Rare Earth–Graphene Heterostructure by Targeted Bonding of the Intercalated Gadolinium

Heterostructures consisting of vertically stacked two-dimensional (2D) materials have recently gained large attention due to their highly controllable electronic properties and resulting quantum phases. In contrast to the mechanically stacked multilayered systems, which offer exceptional control over a stacking sequence or interlayer twist angles, the epitaxially grown 2D materials express unprecedented quality and stability over wafer-scale lengths. However, controlling the growth conditions remains a major obstacle toward the formation of complex, epitaxial heterostructures with well-defined electronic properties. Here, we synthesized a trilayer graphene heterostructure on the SiC(0001) substrate with two specific interlayer locations occupied by gadolinium. We applied multitechnique methodology based on low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/S) and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) to determine the intercalant’s locations in the complex, epitaxial graphene heterostructure. Our approach relies on very high quality and large, micrometer-scale homogeneity of the synthesized system. The experimentally determined electronic structure is dominated by the two topmost graphene layers. Overall, our spectroscopic results show quantitative agreement between global ARPES, local STM/S, and density functional theory predictions. The characterized electronic properties primarily reflect highly anisotropic doping levels between the two corresponding graphene layers, which significantly affect the band structure topology. Two pairs of hybridized massive Dirac bands from our initial synthesis–the bilayer graphene on the SiC(0001) substrate–are transformed upon Gd intercalation into two pairs of massless Dirac bands with a new hybridization region in between. Our results open perspectives in the realization of exotic 2D quantum materials via atomically precise synthesis of epitaxial, multilayered graphene–rare earth heterostructures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Enhancing Acidic Oxygen Evolution Activity by Controlling Oxidation State of Iridium

Iridium oxides with high oxidation states have been reported to be effective in enhancing the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. Herein, we develop ultrasmall IrO x nanoparticles (NPs) over titanium nitride (TiN), which undergoes surface oxidation under oxidative conditions to form oxygen-modified TiN (oxi-TiN), enabling the formation of highly oxidized Ir δ+ (δ > 4). This IrO x /oxi-TiN catalyst delivers higher Ir mass activity than commercial IrO 2 , while comparable stability is maintained. The superior OER activity of IrO x /oxi-TiN is further demonstrated in a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE), requiring only 1.88 V to reach 3 A cm −2 , achieving the U.S. Department of Energy 2025 target (1.90 V at 3 A cm −2 ). In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirms that the superior OER activity of IrO x /oxi-TiN originates from highly oxidized Ir δ+ under OER conditions. Further, density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal a general correlation between the oxidation state of Ir and OER overpotential. Specifically, the introduction of interfacial oxygen at the Ir/TiN interface increases the oxidation state of deposited Ir δ+ from δ < 4 to δ > 4, decreasing the OER overpotential. This study highlights the critical role of high oxidation states of Ir δ+ in enhancing OER activity, providing guidance for the development of advanced acidic OER catalysts.

In situ measurements↗