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Nucleon Structure Studies at Jefferson Lab and the Electron Ion Collider

The research programs of Thomas Jefferson Laboratory (JLab) and the future Electron- Ion Collider (EIC) focus on one of the main goals of strong interaction studies : understanding the structure of nucleons in terms of the quarks and gluons composing them. Their structure is encoded in functions such as Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs), which describe how quarks and gluons’ transverse position and longitudinal momentum are distributed inside nucleons. GPDs allow to obtain three-dimensional pictures of nucleons and to understand some of their fundamental properties, such as their internal pressure or the emergence of their spin from the dynamics of the partons composing them. At JLab and the EIC, electron beams are used to probe nucleons. Measurement of reactions such as Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS) allows access to GPDs. The first longitudinally polarized-target experiment of the CLAS12 program at Jlab took place in 2022-2023. Combining polarized electron beams and nucleon targets, this experiment offers unique access to observables that allow the measurement of different types of GPDs. In particular, the DVCS beam- and target-spin asymmetries for protons and neutrons in deuterium will be measured for the first time. They give access to kinds of GPDs that are still poorly known, and the comparison between proton and neutron data will allow the extraction of the flavor dependence of the structure of nucleons. Specific analysis methods have been implemented to work with a polarized nuclear target and are presented in this thesis. These methods allow to obtain preliminary results for the asymmetries, waiting for the complete statistics to be available. In the long term, the experimental program for the EIC has been established with a strong emphasis on the measurement of the structure of nucleons at high energy. Measurements of reactions such as DVCS impose strict requirements on the electromagnetic calorimeter that will allow to measure the energy of the scattered electrons and photons. This calorimeter, which is under development, will be based on scintillating crystals read by Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs). A new type of glass-based scintillating material was tested, evaluating the possibilities to meet the technical requirements concerning their light yield and resistance to radiation damage in particular. Several models of SiPMs have been characterized, demonstrating they can operate over the vast energy range necessary to address the physics case at the EIC and providing guidelines for developing their readout electronics.

Pilleux, Noemie↗

Single-Molecule Vibrational Characterization of Binding Geometry Effects on Isocyanide–Metal Interactions

Isocyanide−metal binding is governed by σ-donation and π-back-bonding, which affects the isocyanide stretching energy, a characteristic probe for ligand−metal interactions. While extensive correlations exist between structure and spectroscopy in molecular isocyanide−metal systems, interactions of isocyanide with crystalline metallic surfaces, where ligands often bind in various geometries, remain underexplored. Conventional vibrational spectroscopies such as infrared and Raman spectroscopies lack the molecular-scale resolution to distinguish this binding inhomogeneity. In contrast, inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM-IETS) directly visualizes ligand adsorption geometries and their vibrational signatures. Using STM-IETS, we investigate a metal-adsorbed m -terphenyl isocyanide ligand and find that the adsorption geometry on Cu(100) induces a significant shift in isocyanide stretching frequency, more prominent than replacing Cu(100) with Ag(111). Density functional theory confirms that this shift arises from atomic-scale variations in coordination environments. This study elucidates how precise binding influences the vibrational fingerprints of isocyanide ligands, an often-overlooked factor in understanding the isocyanide−metal interplay.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Coupling between collective modes in the deformed 98 Zr nucleus: Insights from consistent HFB+QRPA calculations with the Gogny interaction

The Zirconium isotopes exhibit structural properties that present multiple challenges to nuclear theory. Investigations of the coupling present within isoscalar modes and within isovector modes are scarce but important for advancing our understanding of the microscopic picture of nuclei. To explore some of these underlying coupling features, and to test the predictive power of a state-of the-art nuclear structure approach, we provide a detailed analysis of the properties of 90,96,98Zr. This region includes a benchmarking case and offers insights into nuclear deformation phenomena. To investigate the coupling between collective modes in deformed nuclei, we focused our analysis on the ground and excited-state properties of these isotopes, employing a consistent approach with the axially-symmetric deformed Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) and the Quasiparticle Random Phase Approximation (QRPA) framework, both using the Gogny D1M force. This approach effectively describes both low-lying and giant-resonance states. We devoted special attention to the deformed 98Zr nucleus, where we confirm the existence of coupling between monopole and quadrupole excitations through the K π = 0 + QRPA components and demonstrate an analogous dipole-octupole coupling through the K π = 0 − and K π = 1 − components. Intrinsic transition densities and associ ated radial projections illustrate the coupling. Our work complements and extends earlier studies carried out using density-functional-based methods and notably, we included the complete Coulomb interaction also in the pairing fields, i.e. we treat terms exactly that are approximated in typical calculations that use the Gogny D1 and D2 interaction families.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Analysis of biofilm assembly by large area automated AFM

Biofilms are complex microbial communities critical in medical, industrial, and environmental contexts. Understanding their assembly, structure, genetic regulation, interspecies interactions, and environmental responses is key to developing effective control and mitigation strategies. While atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers critically important high-resolution insights on structural and functional properties at the cellular and even sub-cellular level, its limited scan range and labor-intensive nature restricts the ability to link these smaller scale features to the functional macroscale organization of the films. We begin to address this limitation by introducing an automated large area AFM approach capable of capturing high-resolution images over millimeter-scale areas, aided by machine learning for seamless image stitching, cell detection, and classification. Large area AFM is shown to provide a very detailed view of spatial heterogeneity and cellular morphology during the early stages of biofilm formation which were previously obscured. Using this approach, we examined the organization of Pantoea sp. YR343 on PFOTS-treated glass surfaces. Our findings reveal a preferred cellular orientation among surface-attached cells, forming a distinctive honeycomb pattern. Detailed mapping of flagella interactions suggests that flagellar coordination plays a role in biofilm assembly beyond initial attachment. Additionally, we use large-area AFM to characterize surface modifications on silicon substrates, observing a significant reduction in bacterial density. This highlights the potential of this method for studying surface modifications to better understand and control bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

First-principles DFT modeling of nitrobenzene adsorption on the Ag(111) surface at varying monolayer coverages

Here, the adsorption behavior of nitrobenzene on the Ag(111) surface as a function of coverage is investigated using density functional theory. Adsorption energies and optimized geometries are analyzed together with isolated intermolecular interaction calculations and electronic structure analysis, including Bader charge partitioning and projected density of states, to disentangle the roles of adsorbate–surface bonding and through-space adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. At low and intermediate coverages (θ = 1/9 and θ = 2/9), bidentate adsorption at top sites is favored due to strong adsorbate–surface interactions, with additional stabilization at θ = 2/9 arising from favorable intermolecular separations. At higher coverage (θ = 1/3), bidentate adsorption is destabilized by strong intermolecular repulsion, and monodentate adsorption becomes energetically preferred as rotational freedom allows more favorable intermolecular spacing. Charge density differences, Bader charge, and density of states analyses show that charge transfer from the Ag surface is localized primarily on the nitro group and increases with coverage and adsorption denticity, although this increase does not directly correlate with adsorption strength at high coverage due to competing intermolecular interactions. These results demonstrate that surface coverage can induce a transition in preferred adsorption denticity driven by intermolecular interactions, highlighting the importance of adsorbate packing in organic molecule adsorption at metal interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Toward shell model interactions with credible uncertainties

Background: The nuclear shell model is a powerful framework for predicting nuclear structure observables, but relies on interaction matrix elements fit to experimental data as its inputs. Extending the shell model's applicability, particularly toward dripline nuclei, requires efficient fitting methods and credible uncertainty quantification. Traditional approaches face computational challenges and may underestimate uncertainties. Purpose: We develop and test a framework combining eigenvector continuation and Markov chain Monte Carlo to efficiently fit shell model interaction matrix elements and quantify their uncertainties. Methods: Eigenvector continuation is used to emulate shell model calculations, reducing computational costs. The emulator enables Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling to optimize interaction matrix elements and rigorously assess parametric uncertainties. Here, the framework is benchmarked using the USDB interaction in the 𝑠⁢𝑑 shell. Results: The emulator reproduces the USDB interaction with negligible error, validating its use in shell model fitting applications. However, we find that to obtain credible predictive intervals, the model defect of the shell model itself, rather than experimental or emulator error, must be taken into account in order to obtain credible uncertainties. Conclusions: The proposed framework provides an efficient and rigorous approach for fitting shell model interactions and quantifying uncertainties. Further, the normality assumption used in the past appears sufficient to describe the distribution of interaction matrix elements. However, it is crucial to account for model correlations to avoid underestimating uncertainties.

Nuclear forces↗

Role of Intermolecular Interactions in Deep Eutectic Solvents for CO 2 Capture: Vibrational Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Studies

Recent research and reviews on CO 2 capture methods, along with advancements in industry, have highlighted high costs and energy-intensive nature as the primary limitations of conventional direct air capture and storage (DACS) methods. In response to these challenges, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising absorbents due to their scalability, selectivity, and lower environmental impact compared to other absorbents. However, the molecular origins of their enhanced thermal stability and selectivity for DAC applications have not been explored before. Therefore, the current study focuses on a comprehensive investigation into the molecular interactions within an alkaline DES composed of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and ethylene glycol (EG). Combining Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and quantum chemical calculations, the study reports structural changes and intermolecular interactions induced in EG upon addition of KOH and its implications on CO 2 capture. Experimental and computational spectroscopic studies confirm the presence of noncovalent interactions (hydrogen bonds) within both EG and the KOH-EG system and point to the aggregation of ions at higher KOH concentrations. Additionally, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) surface analysis, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules (QTAIM) analysis, and reduced density gradient-noncovalent interaction (RDG-NCI) plot analysis elucidate changes in polarizability, charge distribution, hydrogen bond types, noncovalent interactions, and interaction strengths, respectively. Evaluation of explicit and hybrid models assesses their effectiveness in representing intermolecular interactions. This research enhances our understanding of molecular interactions in the KOH-EG system, which are essential for both the absorption and desorption of CO 2 . The study also aids in predicting and selecting DES components, optimizing their ratios with salts, and fine-tuning the properties of similar solvents and salts for enhanced CO 2 capture efficiency.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Enhanced chloroplast FtsZ-ring constriction by the ARC6–ARC3 module in Arabidopsis

Chloroplast division, a process tightly linked to the energy demands of plants, is initiated by the formation of the stromal filamenting temperature-sensitive Z (FtsZ) ring. The Z ring is highly dynamic, and its constriction provides the essential force for chloroplast division. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing Z-ring dynamics and constriction remain poorly understood. Here, we report that the chloroplast inner envelope membrane (IEM) protein ACCUMULATION AND REPLICATION OF CHLOROPLASTS6 (ARC6) interacts with the chloroplast stromal protein ARC3, and this interaction is negatively regulated by the conserved J-like domain of ARC6. ARC3 is found both distributed throughout the stroma and localized to a ring-like structure at the chloroplast division site. We demonstrate that ARC6 recruits ARC3 to the division site to form a ring-like structure, likely through direct interaction. This ARC6–ARC3 interaction enables ARC3 to bind FtsZs. Furthermore, we show that the ARC6–ARC3 complex significantly promotes the dynamics of chloroplast Z rings reconstituted in a heterologous system. Finally, the constriction of these reconstituted Z rings is markedly enhanced by ARC6–ARC3. Our findings reveal a regulatory mechanism that governs Z-ring dynamics and constriction, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying chloroplast division.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

A Computational Workflow of Elucidating Viral Impact on Mediating Microbial Response to In-situ Experimental Warming: Bridging microbial modeling to carbon and mineral modeling

Viruses are abundant in soils and shape microbial communities in ways that can potentially influence ecosystem processes, yet their contributions to carbon cycling and mineral transformations remain poorly understood. Here we present a multi-phase framework that links virus-host interactions to soil biogeochemistry by combining ecological simulations, genome- and community-scale metabolic modeling, and statistical and machine-learning analyses. We first calibrated microbial abundance profiles under explicit infection scenarios to capture how viral pressure alters community structure, then explored alternative interaction strategies, including kill-the-winner, piggyback-the-winner, and mixed lytic-lysogenic modes, through forward simulations. These ecological shifts were translated into metabolic consequences using exchange fluxes summarized into biologically meaningful categories, while integrated statistical and machine-learning screens elevated subtle but consistent signals. Application of this framework revealed that viral infections shift the balance between organic and inorganic fluxes, redirecting metabolism from diffuse organic transformations toward inorganic pools such as protons and CO 2 , directly linking viral regulation to respiration and soil carbon balance. The roll-up analysis also isolated perturbations in critical mineral ions, including magnesium, manganese, zinc, and copper, which serve as essential enzymatic cofactors. In piggyback-the-winner scenarios, uptake of these ions was strongly suppressed. Contrasting viral strategies produced distinct community structures and metabolic outcomes, from broad suppression under kill-the-winner dynamics to dramatic redistributions under high-lytic and high-gain lysogenic regimes that collapsed vulnerable microbial populations while promoting opportunists. Together, these results provide a tractable path to trace viral perturbations from host abundance shifts to metabolic flux adjustments and ecosystem-scale processes, offering a practical way to include viruses in earth system models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Influence of solutes on the core structures of $\langle$ α $\rangle$-type screw dislocations in $α$-Ti

The $\langle$ α $\rangle$-type screw dislocations are known to be significant mediators of plasticity in hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) metals. These dislocations have polymorphic core structures, and subtle changes in the relative energies of these core structures are known to have a large impact on the dynamics of the dislocations. Here, this work identifies a previously neglected long-range elastic interstitial-solute/dislocation interaction that influences the core structures. Essentially, interstitial solutes induce a change in the dislocation core structure to minimize the energy of interaction between the solutes and the dislocation. Molecular dynamics simulations, continuum linear elasticity, and statistical analysis show that this long-range interaction can locally alter the dislocation cores so that many different polymorphs appear along a single dislocation not only because of direct contact between interstitials and the dislocation core but also because of this long-range elastic interaction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cryogenic electron tomography by the numbers: Charting underexplored lineages in structural cell biology

Imaging cells and their interactions across the whole biosphere with molecular-scale resolution is key for understanding structure–function relations. Cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a powerful method for obtaining this critical information. However, cryo-ET studies are challenging and often limited to a small number of cell types per study. Here, we collate cryo-ET data from hundreds of cells and tissues across the biosphere to i) identify emerging methodological trends, ii) pinpoint strategies to reduce imaging time and costs, iii) quantitatively compare methods for cell freezing and sectioning, and iv) census cryo-ET species coverage across all domains of life. Comparing the fraction of cellular material within a single lamella across all domains of life reveals an order of magnitude difference between eukaryotes (1%) compared to bacteria (9%) and archaea (14%). We calculate the fraction of cellular material which can be imaged using distinct sectioning methods on multicellular communities and tissues—identifying serial lift-out as a powerful approach for obtaining more complete cellular depictions. Finally, we show that the biodiversity of current cryo-ET studies is 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than in sequence libraries and 4 to 5 lower than the total predicted on Earth. Our analyses reveal major evolutionary lineages which remain critically understudied and highlight where future cryo-ET research would be most impactful.

HPF↗

Hydrophobic Metal–Organic Frameworks Enable Superior High-Pressure Ammonia Storage through Geometric Design

Hydrophobic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically overlooked for ammonia storage due to weak host–guest interactions. Here, we demonstrate that four structurally analogous aluminum-based MOFs exhibit a counterintuitive behavior whereby framework geometry, rather than ligand hydrophilicity, determines high-pressure NH 3 adsorption performance. The hydrophobic CAU-23 achieved an exceptional capacity matching hydrophilic analogs despite its poor low-pressure uptake. This pressure-dependent enhancement stems from the unique 4-cis-4-trans geometry of CAU-23 compared to the purely cis arrangement of MIL-160 and KMF-1 and the alternating cis-trans configuration of MOF-303. Critically, CAU-23 retained 95% capacity over three high-pressure cycles, whereas hydrophilic MOFs suffered 39–46% irreversible losses due to strong NH 3 -framework interactions that compromise structural integrity. Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations reveal that high pressure enables NH 3 clustering through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, bypassing the need for strong host–guest interactions. High-pressure powder X-ray diffraction measurements confirm the exceptional mechanical resilience of CAU-23, showing complete structural recovery upon decompression despite exhibiting the highest pressure sensitivity among the studied MOFs. An extended analog, HE-CAU-23, validates this design principle with further enhanced capacity. Furthermore, these findings reveal a paradigm shift toward hydrophobic MOFs with optimized geometry for high-performance and regenerable gas storage applications.

MOFs↗

Liquid state theory of the structure of model polymerized ionic liquids

We employ polymer integral equation theory to study a simplified model of semiflexible polymerized ionic liquids (PolyILs) that interact via hard core repulsions and short range screened Coulomb interactions. The multi-scale structure in real and Fourier space of PolyILs (ions chosen to mimic Li, Na, K, Br, PF 6 , and TFSI) are determined as a function of melt density, Coulomb interaction strength, and ion size. Comparisons with a homopolymer melt, a neutral polymer–solvent-like athermal mixture, and an atomic ionic liquid are carried out to elucidate the distinct manner that ions mediate changes of polymer packing, the role of excluded volume effects, and the influence of chain connectivity, respectively. The effect of Coulomb strength depends in a rich manner on ion size and density, reflecting the interplay of steric packing, ion adsorption, and charge layering. Ion-mediated bridging of monomers is found, which intensifies for larger ions. Intermediate range charge layering correlations are characterized by a many-body screening length that grows with PolyIL density, cooling, and Coulomb strength, in disagreement with Debye–Hückel theory, but in accord with experiments. Qualitative differences in the collective structure, including an ion-size-dependent bifurcation of the polymer structure factor peak and pair correlation function, are predicted. The monomer cage order parameter increases significantly, but its collective ion counterpart decreases, as ions become smaller. Such behaviors allow one to categorize PolyILs into two broad classes of small and large ions. Furthermore, dynamical implications of the predicted structural results are qualitatively discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Particle-hole asymmetric phases in doped twisted bilayer graphene

Twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) has emerged as a paradigmatic platform for exploring the interplay between strong interactions in a multi-band system with nearly flat bands, while offering unprecedented control over the filling fraction of electron/hole carriers. Despite much theoretical work, developing a comprehensive ab initio model for this system has proven challenging due to the inherent trade-off between accurately describing the band structure and incorporating the interactions within the Hamiltonian. Here, we constructed an extended multi-orbital Hubbard model, and performed Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations to explore its phase diagram across commensurate fillings. We found several nearly-degenerate insulating states at charge neutrality, all of which exhibit orbital orders. We also observed that most of the Hartree–Fock ground states exhibit a generalized valley Hund’s-like rule, resulting in valley polarization. Importantly, we show that the incorporation of the intra-valley and inter-valley exchange interactions is crucial to properly stabilize the ordered symmetry-broken states. In agreement with experiments, we find significant particle-hole asymmetry, which underscores the importance of using particle-hole asymmetric models.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Unveiling Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Plasmon-Enhanced Localized Fields in Metallic Nanoframes through Ultrafast Electron Microscopy

Plasmonic nanomaterials, particularly noble metal nanoframes (NFs), are important for applications such as catalysis, biosensing, and energy harvesting due to their ability to enhance localized electric fields and atomic efficiency via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Yet the fundamental structure-function relationships and plasmonic dynamics of the NFS are difficult to study experimentally and thus far rely predominately on computational methodologies, limiting their utilization. This study leverages the capabilities of ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM), specifically photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM), to probe the light-matter interactions within plasmonic NF structures. Here, the effects of shape, size, and plasmonic coupling of Pt@Au core-shell NFs on spatial and temporal characteristics of plasmon-enhanced localized electric fields are explored. Importantly, time-resolved PINEM analysis reveals that the plasmonic fields around hexagonal NF prisms exhibit a spatially dependent excitation and decay rate, indicating a nuanced interplay between the spatial geometry of the NF and the temporal evolution of the localized electric field. These results and observations uncover nanophotonic energy transfer dynamics in NFs and highlight their potential for applications in biosensing and photocatalysis.

Plasmonics↗

Embracing disorder in quantum materials design

Many of the most exciting materials discoveries in fundamental condensed matter physics are made in systems hosting some degree of intrinsic disorder. While disorder has historically been regarded as something to be avoided in materials design, it is often of central importance to correlated and quantum materials. This is largely driven by the conceptual and theoretical ease to handle, predict, and understand highly uniform systems that exhibit complex interactions, symmetries, and band structures. In this Perspective, we highlight how flipping this paradigm has enabled exciting possibilities in the emerging field of high entropy materials, focusing primarily on high entropy oxide and chalcogenide quantum materials. These materials host high levels of cation or anion compositional disorder while maintaining unexpectedly uniform single crystal lattices. The diversity of atomic scale interactions of spin, charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom are found to emerge into coherent properties on much larger length scales. Thus, altering the variance and magnitudes of the atomic scale properties through elemental selection can open new routes to tune global correlated phases, such as magnetism, metal–insulator transitions, ferroelectricity, and even emergent topological responses. The strategy of embracing disorder in this way provides a much broader pallet from which functional states can be designed for next-generation microelectronic and quantum information systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Embracing Disorder in Quantum Materials Design

Many of the most exciting materials discoveries in fundamental condensed matter physics are made in systems hosting some degree of intrinsic disorder. While disorder has historically been regarded as something to be avoided in materials design, it is often of central importance to correlated and quantum materials. This is largely driven by the conceptual and theoretical ease to handle, predict, and understand highly uniform systems that exhibit complex interactions, symmetries, and band structures. In this Perspective, we highlight how flipping this paradigm has enabled exciting possibilities in the emerging field of high entropy materials, focusing primarily on high entropy oxide and chalcogenide quantum materials. These materials host high levels of cation or anion compositional disorder while maintaining unexpectedly uniform single crystal lattices. The diversity of atomic scale interactions of spin, charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom are found to emerge into coherent properties on much larger length scales. Thus, altering the variance and magnitudes of the atomic scale properties through elemental selection can open new routes to tune global correlated phases, such as magnetism, metal–insulator transitions, ferroelectricity, and even emergent topological responses. The strategy of embracing disorder in this way provides a much broader pallet from which functional states can be designed for next-generation microelectronic and quantum information systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Sulfonated polybenzimidazole membrane with graphene oxide additive for 2,3-butanediol/water separation: A molecular simulation

Membrane separation for 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) recovery from fermentation broth is highly valued for sustainable and renewable processes, but it requires efficient membrane materials. Here, this work evaluates the sulfonated polybenzimidazole (sPBI) and its graphene oxide (GO) doped composite membrane for separating 2,3-BDO and water via atomistic simulations. Density functional theory calculations are applied to identify various forms of sPBI structures and quantify their binding interactions with 2,3-BDO and water. Classical molecular dynamic simulations are used to evaluate the structural changes, diffusivity, and selectivity of 2,3-BDO and water in different sPBI models, GO surfaces, and GO-doped sPBI composite models. Our results suggest that sPBI slightly increases the crystallinity of the membrane structures, enhances the adsorption strength for both 2,3-BDO and water, and improves the water/2,3-BDO selectivity by 2–3 times. The GO surfaces display a maximum selectivity at a surface coverage of 0.1–0.15 for both hydroxyl and epoxy surface groups. The addition of GO flakes to sPBI creates new interaction sites for 2,3-BDO and water at the interface of sPBI and GO, and the water/2,3-BDO selectivity of GO-doped sPBI models is further increased up to 3 times. This work illustrates how the integrated addition of sPBI and GO flakes offers a promising approach to selective separation of 2,3-BDO and water, providing theoretical guidance for polybenzimidazole-based membranes in the potential application of 2,3-BDO recovery.

2,3-butanediol↗