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At least 199 records · Page 11

Polarization Effects in Water-Mediated Selective Cation Transport across a Narrow Transmembrane Channel

We report despite the progress in modeling complex molecular systems of ever-increasing complexity, a quantitatively accurate computational treatment of ion permeation through narrow membrane channels remains challenging. An important factor to reach this goal is induced electronic polarization, which is likely to impact the permeation rate of small ions through narrow molecular pores. In this work, we extended the recently developed polarizable force field based on the classical Drude oscillators to assess the role of induced polarization effects on the energetics of sodium and potassium ion transport across the gramicidin A (gA) ion channel. The inclusion of induced polarization lowers barriers present in 1D potential of mean force (PMF) for cation permeation by ~50% compared to those obtained with the additive force field. Conductance properties calculated with 1D PMFs from Drude simulations are in better agreement with experimental results. Polarization of single-file water molecules and protein atoms forming the narrow pore has a direct impact on the free-energy barriers and cation-specific solid-state NMR chemical shifts. Sensitivity analysis indicates that small changes to water–channel interactions can alter the free energy barrier for ion permeation. These results, illustrating polarization effects present in the complex electrostatic environment of the gA channel, have broad implications for revising proposed mechanisms of ion permeation and selectivity in a variety of ion channels.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Rotational Dynamics of an Amphidynamic Zirconium Metal–Organic Framework Determined by Dielectric Spectroscopy

A zirconium metal–organic framework with a difluorophenylene rotator bearing a permanent electric dipole of ~3.2 D was synthesized, and its rotational motion was analyzed by temperature- and frequency-dependent broadband dielectric spectroscopy. While solid-state NMR confirms fast rotation qualitatively, the dissipation factors measured between 113 and 153 K suggested an activation energy E a = 2.6 kcal/mol, but deviations from a single Debye relaxation suggested a dynamic process that cannot be accounted for by a well-defined potential with a single activation barrier. The dynamic heterogeneity of the dipolar rotor was confirmed by analysis in terms of a Cole–Cole relaxation, which suggested a mean barrier of ~1.9 kcal/mol, with a heterogeneity that decreases as temperature increases. Based on the single-crystal structure, we propose that the kinetic heterogeneity results from a temperature-dependent potential where rotation motion is mediated by the escape of the rotator from an energy well created by a double Ph–H···F–Ph hydrogen bond.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Backbone Stitching in Bottlebrush Copolymer Mesodomains and the Impact of Side Chain Crystallization

We synthesized bottlebrush statistical copolymers (BSCPs) having poly­(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly­(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) side chains attached to a polynorbornene backbone. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis showed that for densely grafted BSCPs, the scattering length density gradually transitions between the PEO and PDMS domains. For loosely grafted BSCPs, the polymer backbone formed a distinct mesodomain, with a lower electron and mass density than both the PEO and PDMS domains. The bottlebrush backbone essentially “stitches” the PEO and PDMS side chains, looping back and forth from the PEO to PDMS domains with the backbone segments oriented normal to the domain interfaces. Self-consistent field theory (SCFT) calculations validated the stitching of the backbone driven by the microphase separation of PEO and PDMS, along with a strong segmental order of the side chains in the melt. The reduced birefringence upon PEO crystallization suggests the disruption of the strong segmental order by the crystallization. Both the static intrinsic and the form birefringences of the BSCPs decreased upon PEO crystallization. Solid-state NMR confirmed the rigidity of PEO crystallites and the bottlebrush backbone. Self-assembly of BSCPs containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) pendent groups was also evaluated by X-ray scattering, showing the formation of lamellar microdomains that inhibited POSS crystallization.

Hu, Mingqiu↗

Tuning Anisotropic Optical Properties of Inorganic and Hybrid Organic–Inorganic MXenes via Topochemical Surface Modification

Surface groups are central to the properties of MXenes, yet their role in optical anisotropy remains largely unexplored. Here, we use a topochemical route to synthesize single crystals of stacked Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 and hybrid organic–inorganic MXenes (h-MXenes) with lateral sizes of 38–75 μm, rotational registry, and tunable interlayer spacing. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy shows that topochemical substitution generates mixed amido, imido, and hydride surface motifs, which modify the electronic structure of the Ti 3 C 2 inorganic core. Imaging spectroscopic ellipsometry with micron-scale spatial resolution enables reconstruction of the complex dielectric tensor of individual multilayer crystals. Ti 3 C 2 Cl 2 exhibits a type-II hyperbolicity above 930 nm, whereas h-MXenes do not display hyperbolicity within the measured 300–1700 nm window, instead showing reduced in-plane conductivity, suppressed out-of-plane light absorption, and a chain-length-dependent blue shift of a near-infrared absorption feature. These results demonstrate topochemical surface modification as a direct handle for engineering MXenes as surface-programmable optical media.

Hybrid materials↗

Supported Organoiridium-Pincer Catalysts for the Nonoxidative Dehydrogenation of High-Density Polyethylene

The iridium-pincer complex {p-OP( t Bu) 2 -C 6 H 2 -2,6-OP( t Bu) 2 ] 2 }Ir(C 2 H 4 ) ( P [Ir]) has been reported as a stable and active catalyst toward alkane dehydrogenation in homogeneous and supported heterogeneous systems. Dehydrogenation has been shown as a practical method toward functional polyolefins, with dehydrogenated high-density polyethylene (deHDPE) demonstrated as a valuable synthon for upcycling, as orthogonal C-H strategies are key to end-of-life upcycling. The heterogenization of P [Ir] on oxides (SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and TiO 2 ; P [Ir]/E y O x ) yields a mixture of organometallic Ir-fragments whose catalytic nonoxidative dehydrogenation activity is modulated by the binding modes of the active metal on the surface. The binding mode was elucidated by a combination of solid-state NMR and XAFS analyses and supported by DFT calculations. Surface binding through the ligand enables active organoiridium that catalyzes internal olefination of deHDPE up to 1.23 mol % at 200 °C under dynamic vacuum. Alternatively, when the organoiridium is bonded though the metal center (Ir-O SiO ), catalyst activity is negligible. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of P [Ir]/SiO 2 showed comparable reactivity with the homogeneous analogue under the same catalytic conditions, and the heterogenized catalyst can be reused up to three cycles. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance of understanding how organometallic precursors react with hydroxylated metal oxide surfaces to establish structure-property relationships.

Hunt, Samuel B. [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)↗

Decoding the Desorption Mechanism of 2LiH:1Mg(NH2)2 Using Metal Borohydrides

The complex metal hydride 2LiH:1Mg­(NH2)2 has emerged as a promising material for stationary hydrogen storage applications, such as seasonal storage or energy backup systems, due to its high volumetric and gravimetric capacities and robust reversibility. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by sluggish reaction rates, performance degradation upon cycling, and improper end-use cases. To address these problems and better understand the desorption pathway, we used metal borohydrides (MBH4; M = Li–Cs) as chemical probes. A thorough analysis of the bulk behavior of all six materials, including hydrogen cycling experiments, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, pXRD, solid-state NMR, and ab initio DFT simulations, shows that the borohydride additives decrease the activation energy of hydrogen release by about 20 kJ/mol for MBH4@2:1 materials versus pristine. Furthermore, more surface-sensitive studies show that the amide-to-imide desorption pathway in these materials, while essentially complete in the bulk, is incomplete in the near-surface region, suggesting an “inverse core–shell” desorption mechanism for amide dehydrogenation to imide. The kinetic enhancements produced by MBH4 additives (M = K, Rb, and Cs) are attributed to the destabilization of the amide N–H bond and interaction with the LiH/Mg­(NH2)2 interface to promote H–H bond formation. An inverse core-shell mechanism is also operative in the hydrogen desorption for the 2LiH:1LiNH2 system, suggesting this may be a general feature of amides. Given the fast dehydrogenation rate and large gravimetric capacity, these materials satisfy these requirements for telecom backups and seasonal microgrid storage applications.

Absorption↗

Flexible Zn-MOF with Rare Underlying scu Topology for Effective Separation of C6 Alkane Isomers

Adsorptive separation by porous solids provides an energy-efficient alternative for the purification of important chemical species compared to energy-intensive distillations. Particularly, the separation of linear hexane isomers from its branched counterparts is crucial to produce premium grade gasoline with high research octane number (RON). Herein, we report the synthesis of a new, flexible zinc-based metal-organic framework, [Zn 5 (μ 3 -OH) 2 (adtb) 2 (H 2 O) 5 ·5 DMA] (Zn-adtb), constructed from a butterfly shaped carboxylate linker with underlying (4,8)-connected scu topology capable of separating the C6 isomers nHEX, 3MP, and 23DMB. The sorbate-sorbent interactions and separation mechanisms were investigated and analyzed through in situ FTIR, solid state NMR measurements and computational modeling. Here these studies reveal that Zn-adtb discriminates the nHEX/3MP isomer pair through a kinetic separation mechanism and the nHEX/23DMB isomer pair through a molecular sieving mechanism. Column breakthrough measurements further demonstrate the efficient separation of linear nHEX from the mono- and dibranched isomers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Surface and Bulk Stabilization of Silicon Anodes with Mixed-Multivalent Additives: Ca(TFSI) 2 and Mg(TFSI) 2

Here, silicon is drawing attention as the upcoming anode material for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries due to its higher capacity compared to commercial graphite. However, silicon anions formed during lithiation are highly reactive with binder and electrolyte components creating an unstable SEI layer and limiting the calendar life of silicon anodes. The reactivity of lithium silicide and the formation of an unstable SEI layer is mitigated by utilizing the use of a mixture of Ca and Mg multivalent cations as an electrolyte additive for Si anodes to improve their calendar life. The effect of mixed salts on the bulk and surface of silicon anodes was studied by multiple structural characterization techniques. Ca and Mg ions in the electrolyte formed relatively thermodynamically stable quaternary Li-Ca-Mg-Si Zintl phases in an in-situ fashion and more stable and denser SEI layer on the Si particles. These in turn protect silicon particles against side reactions with electrolytes in a coin cell. The full cell with the mixed cation electrolyte demonstrates enhanced calendar life performance with lower measured current and current leakage than that of the baseline electrolyte due to reduced side reactions. Electron Microscopy, HRXRD, and solid-state NMR results showed that electrodes with mixed cations tended to have less cracking on the electrode surface compared to Si electrodes with Gen2 + FEC and the presence of mixed cations enhances cation migration and formation of quaternary Zintl phases stabilizing bulk and forming a more stable SEI.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Poison or Promoter? Investigating the Dual-Role of Carbon Monoxide in Pincer-Iridium-Based Alkane Dehydrogenation Systems via Operando Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

Pincer-ligated iridium complexes of the form [( R 4 PCP)IrL] ( R 4 PCP = κ 3 -C 6 H 3 -2,6-(XPR 2 ) 2 ; X = CH 2 , O; R = tBu, iPr) have previously been shown competent for acceptorless alkane dehydrogenation when supported on silica. It was observed by postcatalysis solid-state NMR that silica-tethered [(≡SiO- tBu 4 POCOP)Ir(C 2 H 4 )] (3-C 2 H 4 ) was converted fully to [(≡SiO- tBu 4 POCOP)Ir(CO)] (3-CO) at 300 °C. In this work, the characterization of species under dehydrogenation reaction conditions far from equilibrium between butane and butenes (approach to equilibrium Q/K eq = 0.3 at 300 °C) is performed with operando Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier–Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to show the kinetics of species conversion from 3-C 2 H 4 to 3-CO. It is further found that [(≡SiO- tBu 4 POCOP)IrHCl] (3-HCl), a species considered to be a precatalyst for alkane dehydrogenation, is also fully converted to 3-CO. Here, a mechanism of decomposition is proposed that implicates surface silanol groups, while carbon monoxide acts as a “stabilizer” for the catalyst by promoting their reductive elimination and maintaining the complex in the I oxidation state.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Identifying Boron Active Sites for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane

Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) to propylene could have a significant impact on the production of this critical chemical intermediate, if appropriate catalysts can be discovered. Recently, heterogeneous catalysts based on boron (oxides and nitrides) have been demonstrated to be promising for ODHP, but their active sites have not been conclusively identified. Here, we report that the deposition of differently sized boronic acids into the micropores of silica supports results in different distributions of surface borate species after calcination. Furthermore, these materials, in turn, display a wide range of rates in ODHP but similar selectivity, suggesting that they differ only in the numbers of active sites. Features identified by in situ Raman, IR, and magic-angle-spinning 11 B solid-state NMR spectroscopies are compared to catalyst activity. This correlation identifies the S2 borate species, a hydroxylated nonring boron, as the likely active site and provides a target for directed syntheses of future catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Understanding Instability in Formamidinium Lead Halide Perovskites: Kinetics of Transformative Reactions at Grain and Subgrain Boundaries

Transformative and reconstructive reactions impart significant structural changes at particle boundaries of hybrid perovskites, which influence environmental stability and optoelectronic properties of these materials. Here, we investigate the moisture-induced transformative reactions in formamidinium based perovskites FAPbX 3 (X=I, Br) and show that the ambient stability of these materials can be adjusted from a few hours to several months. For FAPbI 3 , roles of water vapor, particle size, and light illumination on the kinetic pathways of the cubic (a) transformation to the hexagonal (d) phase are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, photoluminescence and solid-state NMR spectroscopy techniques. The grain and sub-grain boundaries exhibit different α→δ-FAPbI 3 phase transformation kinetics. Our study suggests that the dynamic transformation involves the local water-induced dissolution of the cubic phase occurring at the crystal surfaces followed by precipitation of the hexagonal phase. Insights into structures and dynamics of a kinetically trapped α-|δ-FAPbI 3 are obtained by 1 H, 2 H, and 207 Pb ssNMR spectroscopy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Coloring Tetrahedral Semiconductors: Synthesis and Photoluminescence Enhancement of Ternary II-III 2 -VI 4 Colloidal Nanocrystals

Ternary tetrahedral II-III 2 -VI 4 semiconductors, where II is Zn or Cd, III In or Ga, and VI S, Se, or Te, are of interest in UV radiation detectors in medicine and space physics as well as CO 2 photoreduction under visible light. We synthesize colloidal II-III 2 -VI 4 semiconductor nanocrystals from readily available precursors and ascertain their ternary nature by structural and spectroscopic methods, including 77 Se solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The pyramidally shaped nanocrystals range between 2 and 12 nm and exhibit optical gaps of 2–3.9 eV. In the presence of excess anions on the particle surface, treatment with Lewis acidic, Z-type ligands results in better passivation and enhanced photoluminescence. Electronic structure calculations reveal the most stable, lowest energy polymorphs and coloring patterns. This work will pave the way toward more environmentally friendly, ternary semiconductors for optoelectronics and electrocatalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Viscosity-Controlled Thiol–Ene Reaction and Its Impact on Mechanical Response of Dynamic Networks

The impact of curing conditions on the final properties of thioester-thiol-based dynamic polymer networks was systematically investigated. Despite identical monomer and cross-linker compositions, networks synthesized in the absence of solvent exhibited significantly higher shear moduli and longer relaxation times compared to those cured in solvent. These differences arise from viscosity-controlled photoinitiated thiol–ene reactions, where reduced chain mobility under solvent-free conditions suppresses termination between two polymer radicals, leading to higher reaction conversion. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy confirmed a greater degree of “click” reaction completion in higher viscosity environments. Control experiments revealed that prolonged radical lifetimes and suppressed termination reactions under solvent-free curing conditions contribute to these variations. Here, this study highlights the crucial role of processing conditions in determining cross-link density and, consequently, the dynamic mechanical behavior of polymer networks. It demonstrates that, beyond polymer chemistry, dynamic cross-linker design, and phase separation, curing conditions serve as a key design parameter for tailoring material performance to specific applications.

polymers↗

Expanding the Ambient-Pressure Phase Space of CaFe 2 O 4 -Type Sodium Postspinel Host–Guest Compounds

CaFe 2 O 4 -type sodium postspinels (Na-CFs), with Na + occupying tunnel sites, are of interest as prospective battery electrodes. While many compounds of this structure type require high-pressure synthesis, several compounds are known to form at ambient pressure. Here we report a large expansion of the known Na-CF phase space at ambient pressure, having successfully synthesized NaCrTiO 4 , NaRhTiO 4 , NaCrSnO 4 , NaInSnO 4 , NaMg 0.5 Ti 1.5 O 4 , NaFe 0.5 Ti 1.5 O 4 , NaMg 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaMn 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaFe 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaCo 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaNi 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaCu 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaZn 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaCd 0.5 Sn 1.5 O 4 , NaSc 1.5 Sb 0.5 O 4 , Na 1.16 In 1.18 Sb 0.66 O 4 , and several solid solutions. In contrast to earlier reports, even cations that are strongly Jahn–Teller active (e.g., Mn 3+ and Cu 2+ ) can form Na-CFs at ambient pressure when combined with Sn 4+ rather than with the smaller Ti 4+ . Order and disorder are probed at the average and local length-scales with synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Strong ordering of framework cations between the two framework sites is not observed, except in the case of Na 1.16 In 1.18 Sb 0.66 O 4 . This compound is the first example of an Na-CF that contains Na + in both the tunnel and framework sites, reminiscent of Li-rich spinels. Trends in the thermodynamic stability of the new compounds are explained on the basis of crystal-chemistry and density functional theory (DFT). Further DFT calculations examine the relative stability of the CF versus spinel structures at various degrees of sodium extraction in the context of electrochemical battery reactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Atomically Dispersed Copper Sites in a Metal–Organic Framework for Reduction of Nitrogen Dioxide

Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials provide an excellent platform to fabricate single-atom catalysts due to their structural diversity, intrinsic porosity, and designable functionality. However, the unambiguous identification of atomically dispersed metal sites and the elucidation of their role in catalysis are challenging due to limited methods of characterization and lack of direct structural information. Here, we report a comprehensive investigation of the structure and the role of atomically dispersed copper sites in UiO-66 for the catalytic reduction of NO 2 at ambient temperature. The atomic dispersion of copper sites on UiO-66 is confirmed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and inelastic neutron scattering, and their location is identified by neutron powder diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The Cu/UiO-66 catalyst exhibits superior catalytic performance for the reduction of NO 2 at 25 °C without the use of reductants. A selectivity of 88% for the formation of N2 at a 97% conversion of NO 2 with a lifetime of >50 h and an unprecedented turnover frequency of 6.1 h-1 is achieved under nonthermal plasma activation. In situ and operando infrared, solid-state NMR, and EPR spectroscopy reveal the critical role of copper sites in the adsorption and activation of NO 2 molecules, with the formation of {Cu(I)···NO} and {Cu···NO 2 } adducts promoting the conversion of NO 2 to N 2 . This study will inspire the further design and study of new efficient single-atom catalysts for NO 2 abatement via detailed unravelling of their role in catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Understanding the Impacts of Support–Polymer Interactions on the Dynamics of Poly(ethyleneimine) Confined in Mesoporous SBA-15

Supported amines are a promising class of CO 2 sorbents offering large uptake capacities and fast uptake rates. Additionally, among supported amines, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) physically impregnated in the mesopores of SBA-15 silica is widely used. Within these composite materials, the chain dynamics and morphologies of PEI strongly influence the CO 2 capture performance, yet little is known about chain and macromolecule mobility in confined pores. Here, we probe the impact of the support–PEI interactions on the dynamics and structures of PEI at the support interface and the corresponding impact on CO 2 uptake performance, which yields critical structure–property relationships. The pore walls of the support are grafted with organosilanes with different chemical end groups to differentiate interaction modes (spanning from strong attraction to repulsion) between the pore surface and PEI. Combinations of techniques, such as quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS), 1 H T 1 –T 2 relaxation correlation solid-state NMR, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, are used to comprehensively assess the physical properties of confined PEI. We hypothesized that PEI would have faster dynamics when subjected to less attractive or repulsive interactions. However, we discover that complex interfacial interactions resulted in complex structure–property relationships. Indeed, both the chain conformation of the surface-grafted chains and of the PEI around the surface influenced the chain mobility and CO 2 uptake performance. By coupling knowledge of the dynamics and distributions of PEI with CO 2 sorption performance and other characteristics, we determine that the macroscopic structures of the hybrid materials dictate the first rapid CO 2 uptake, and the rate of CO 2 sorption during the subsequent gradual uptake stage is determined by PEI chain motions that promote diffusive jumps of CO 2 through PEI-packed domains.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Silica Supported Organometallic Ir I Complexes Enable Efficient Catalytic Methane Borylation

Catalytic C–H borylation is an attractive method for the conversion of the most abundant hydrocarbon, methane (CH 4 ), to a mild nucleophilic building block. However, existing CH 4 borylation catalysts often suffer from low turnover numbers and conversions, which is hypothesized to result from inactive metal hydride agglomerates. Herein we report that the heterogenization of a bisphosphine molecular precatalyst, [(dmpe)Ir(cod)CH 3 ], onto amorphous silica dramatically enhances its performance, yielding a catalyst that is 12-times more efficient than the current standard for CH 4 borylation. The catalyst affords over 2000 turnovers at 150 °C in 16 h with a selectivity of 91.5% for mono- vs diborylation. Higher catalyst loadings improve yield and selectivity for the monoborylated product (H 3 CBpin) with 82.8% yield and >99% selectivity being achieved with 1255 turnovers. X-ray absorption and dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced solid-state NMR spectroscopic studies identify the supported precatalyst as an Ir I species, and indicate that upon completion of catalysis, multinuclear Ir polyhydrides are not formed. This is consistent with the hypothesis that immobilization of the organometallic Ir species on a surface prevents bimolecular decomposition pathways. Importantly, immobilization of the homogeneous Ir I fragment onto amorphous silica represents a unique and simple strategy to improve the TON and longevity of a CH 4 borylation catalyst.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗