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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.

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At least 307 records · Page 17

In situ studies on heavy ion irradiation and partial oxidation induced stacking faults and nanograins in tungsten nanolaminates

Understanding the microstructural evolution of tungsten (W) under extreme irradiation environments is critical for its application as a plasma-facing material in future fusion reactors. Heavy ion irradiation study offers expedited damage accumulation and thus allows irradiation tolerance property prediction in a short period of time. In this study we explore in situ Kr ion irradiation of W nanolaminates at 800 °C and uncover a complex interplay of irradiation-induced transformations, including the emergence of stacking faults, nanograin formation, and generation of thickened grain boundaries defined as GB regions with the thickness of up to 15 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies reveal the formation of extended planar faults and a metastable hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase within the body-centered cubic (bcc) matrix. These structural transitions are facilitated by irradiation-induced shear. They are further stabilized by the presence of oxygen, which promotes stacking fault formation and vacancy trapping. Elevated temperatures enhance defect mobility, enabling dynamic recrystallization into ultrafine grains and the thickening of GBs due to defect absorption and impurity segregation. These findings unravel non-equilibrium phase transformation pathways in heavy ion irradiated W and highlight the critical role of impurity-mediated defect dynamics in governing its radiation tolerance properties.

Wazeer, Adil [Purdue University]↗

Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Theoretical Analysis of Structural Relaxation, Bond Exchange Dynamics, and Glass Transition in Vitrimers

Vitrimers are a class of polymer networks featuring dynamic covalent cross-links that can undergo associative bond exchange. There has been recent interest in these materials due to their promise as recyclable thermosets or self-healing polymers because of the ability of vitrimer networks to rearrange at the molecular level and undergo macroscopic flow. However, the practical use of these materials often occurs in the supercooled regime or glassy state, where the implications of dynamic bonds are complicated by the interplay between slow activated segmental dynamics, cross-link (i.e., bond-exchange) kinetics, and ultimately material properties. Here, in this paper, we combine coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation and microscopic statistical mechanical theory to understand how cross-linking kinetics affect material dynamics and how this couples to segmental relaxation of the polymeric network strands across a spectrum of length and time scales, especially in the supercooled regime. We characterize the Kuhn segmental alpha relaxation time and bond exchange time for vitrimer systems across various cross-link densities, temperatures, and bond exchange rates. Simulation and theory both exhibit a bending-up behavior for bond exchange time upon cooling, suggesting a coupling between bond exchange dynamics and segmental relaxation that intensifies with faster bond exchange kinetics. We also found bond exchange dynamics have an impact on Kuhn segment alpha relaxation time, which is most significant at higher cross-link densities. Both these effects are most prominent when the bond exchange time is similar to the Kuhn segment alpha relaxation time, and the resulting coupling of these two relaxation processes is tied to both the probability of a free end to find a bonded pair and the time scale of the constraints imposed by the dynamic cross-links. This relationship is reflected by a cross-link dependence of a theoretical parameter which represents the quantitative degree of coupling between bond exchange and segmental dynamics. Overall, the combination of simulation and theory clarifies the intricate interaction between bond kinetics and segmental relaxation and demonstrates the ability to provide molecular-level insights into vitrimer dynamics over a wide temperature range.

dynamic relaxation↗

Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) airborne field campaign data products between 2013 and 2018

Airborne measurements are pivotal for providing detailed, spatiotemporally resolved information about atmospheric parameters and aerosol and cloud properties, thereby enhancing our understanding of dynamic atmospheric processes. For 30 years, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science supported an instrumented Gulfstream 1 (G-1) aircraft for atmospheric field campaigns. Data from the final decade of G-1 operations were archived by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Data Center and made publicly available at no cost to all registered users. To ensure a consistent data format and to improve the accessibility of the ARM airborne data, an integrated dataset was recently developed covering the final 6 years of G-1 operations (2013 to 2018, https://doi.org/10.5439/1999133; Mei and Gaustad, 2024). The integrated dataset includes data collected from 236 flights (766.4 h), which covered the Arctic, the US Southern Great Plains (SGP), the US West Coast, the eastern North Atlantic (ENA), the Amazon Basin in Brazil, and the Sierras de Córdoba range in Argentina. These comprehensive data streams provide much-needed insight into spatiotemporal variability in the thermodynamic quantities and aerosol and cloud properties for addressing essential science questions in Earth system process studies. This paper describes the DOE ARM merged G-1 datasets, including information on the acquisition, data collection challenges and future potentials, and quality control processes. It further illustrates the usage of this merged dataset to evaluate the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) with the Earth System Model Aerosol–Cloud Diagnostics (ESMAC Diags) package.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Programmable hydrogels by combining persistent and transient dynamic bonds

Out-of-equilibrium chemistry is currently being applied to polymer systems to mimic the autonomous behavior of biological materials. In this study, hydrogels with self-healing properties were developed that combine persistent crosslinks from dynamic metal-ligand coordination with transient crosslinks from dynamic anhydride bonds. Polymers containing terpyridine ligands and carboxylic acid groups were synthesized and crosslinked with divalent metal ions (Fe 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ ). The coordination bonds from terpyridine–metal coordination impart persistent stability, while transient anhydrides formed on treatment with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) temporarily increase crosslink density. Distinct behaviors are observed depending on the choice of metal, with Ni 2+ forming robust, stable networks; Zn 2+ creating moderately dynamic gels; and Cu 2+ yielding highly dynamic, soft materials. Treatment with EDC increased storage moduli significantly, with transient effects lasting up to 280 min depending on the metal ion. Self-healing experiments demonstrated independent contributions from metal coordination and transient anhydrides, enabling recovery of stress and strain under varying conditions. Additionally, complex and reversible 2D stiffness patterns were generated by spatially controlled EDC treatment of Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ hydrogel films, demonstrating programmability and reusability.

Rajawasam, Chamoni W. H. [Miami University, Oxford↗

Elucidating and contrasting the mechanisms for Mg and Ca sulfate ion-pair formation with multi-level embedded quantum mechanics/molecular dynamics simulations

Here, solutions and minerals containing sulfate (SO 4 2- ), and Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ cations, are ubiquitous throughout the lithosphere and are significant components of seawater, thus presenting a prototypical system for the study of strong electrolytes and crystal nucleation mechanisms. However, despite their relative abundance, key questions remain unanswered about the most fundamental atomic-level steps of their mineralization pathways and aqueous dynamics. Here, we carry out enhanced sampling multi-level molecular dynamics (MD) embedded correlated wavefunction theory simulations to elucidate ion-pairing mechanisms for Mg–SO 4 and Ca–SO 4 in concentrated aqueous solution, accurately capturing effects arising from both structural dynamics and electron exchange–correlation. We predict contact-ion-pair formation to be barrierless and highly exoergic for Ca–SO 4 , in agreement with its minimal solubility, whereas for Mg–SO 4 , solvent-shared and contact ion pairs have similar free energies, qualitatively consistent with its higher solubility. Finally, we demonstrate that brief high-temperature pre-equilibration may be utilized to accelerate convergence of free energies in blue-moon-ensemble enhanced-sampling MD.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Shape-persistent ladder molecules exhibit nanogap-independent conductance in single-molecule junctions

Molecular electronic devices require precise control over the flow of current in single molecules. However, the electron transport properties of single molecules critically depend on dynamic molecular conformations in nanoscale junctions. Here, in this work, we report a unique strategy for controlling molecular conductance using shape-persistent molecules. Chemically diverse, charged ladder molecules, synthesized via a one-pot multicomponent ladderization strategy, show a molecular conductance (d[log( G/G 0 )]/d x ≈ -0.1 nm -1 ) that is nearly independent of junction displacement, in stark contrast to the nanogap-dependent conductance (d[log( G/G 0 )]/d x ≈ -7 nm -1 ) observed for non-ladder analogues. Ladder molecules show an unusually narrow distribution of molecular conductance during dynamic junction displacement, which is attributed to the shape-persistent backbone and restricted rotation of terminal anchor groups. These principles are further extended to a butterfly-like molecule, thereby demonstrating the strategy's generality for achieving gap-independent conductance. Overall, our work provides important avenues for controlling molecular conductance using shape-persistent molecules. Achieving robust and controllable conductance in single-molecule junctions is challenging due to the dynamic nature of molecular conformations that fluctuate over operational timescales. A strategy using shape-persistent molecules has now been developed that demonstrates nearly junction-displacement-independent conductance, providing a stable solution for single-molecule electronic properties.

molecular electronics↗

Review of the second charged-particle transport coefficient code comparison workshop

We report the results of the second charged-particle transport coefficient code comparison workshop, which was held in Livermore, California on 24–27 July 2023. This workshop gathered theoretical, computational, and experimental scientists to assess the state of computational and experimental techniques for understanding charged-particle transport coefficients relevant to high-energy-density plasma science. Data for electronic and ionic transport coefficients, namely, the direct current electrical conductivity, electron thermal conductivity, ion shear viscosity, and ion thermal conductivity were computed and compared for multiple plasma conditions. Additional comparisons were carried out for electron–ion properties such as the electron–ion equilibration time and alpha particle stopping power. Overall, 39 participants submitted calculated results from 18 independent approaches, spanning methods from parameterized semi-empirical models to time-dependent density functional theory. In the cases studied here, we find significant differences—several orders of magnitude—between approaches, particularly at lower temperatures, and smaller differences—roughly a factor of five—among first-principles models. We investigate the origins of these differences through comparisons of underlying predictions of ionic and electronic structure. The results of this workshop help to identify plasma conditions where computationally inexpensive approaches are accurate, where computationally expensive models are required, and where experimental measurements will have high impact.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Impact of composition and symmetry energy on the temperature of quasiprojectiles simulated with antisymmetrized molecular dynamics

The equation of state describes the emergent physical properties of matter. Experimental data is needed to help constrain the equation of state for nuclear matter. These constraints can help distinguish between an “asy-stiff” and an “asy-soft” equation of state, which has astrophysical implications. One path to help constrain the models is to analyze the nuclear caloric curve; some experiments have shown dependence on neutron excess, and may thus be sensitive to the asymmetry. A difference in the caloric curve based on the asymmetry of the reconstructed quasiprojectile (QP) had been observed using 70 Zn on 70 Zn at 35 MeV/nucleon taken with the NIMROD array. Antisymmetrized molecular dynamics calculations were performed for the same system and deexcited with gemini++. Both Gogny (asy-soft) and Gogny-as (asy-stiff) data sets were generated. The particles were then filtered based on detector geometric acceptance and thresholds. From the accepted particles, the excitation energy and temperature were calculated in the same way as for experimental data. Additionally, filter effects on the observed nuclear caloric curves were investigated. A tendency for the asy-stiff nuclear caloric curves to have higher temperatures than their asy-soft counterparts was observed for a number of probes. In addition, some probes may show sensitivity to the reconstructed composition of the QP, but this is inconclusive due to high statistical fluctuations and a large dependence on the exact method of event selection.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Time-resolved electrical potential pump – X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy probe developments for investigating dynamic processes occurring at electrochemical interfaces

Electrode–electrolyte interfaces are of critical importance in several fields, including renewable energy, corrosion, and environmental chemistry. However, investigating these interfaces under operational conditions poses considerable challenges due to the limitations of the instrumentation employed. While recent advancements in in situ and operando techniques have enhanced our comprehension of the steady-state properties of solid-liquid interfaces, the dynamic behaviors of these systems remain inadequately explored. This study introduces a time-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique designed to capture transient reaction intermediates and charging dynamics at electrified interfaces. The presented proof-of-principle study demonstrates that electrochemical processes, represented by an equivalent electrical circuit (EEC) model, can be probed and understood using square wave voltage pulses of a potentiostat synchronized to the modified data acquisition of an XPS setup. This method offers a valuable alternative to traditional pump–probe techniques, facilitating the investigation of a broader range of electrochemical systems. A dedicated software package for analyzing time- and energy-resolved XPS with a focus on extracting parameters of the EEC is geared towards benchmarking different EECs in future real-world electrochemical experiments.

Electrochemistry↗

Amantadine interactions with phase separated lipid membranes

Amantadine, a small amphilphic organic compound that consists of an adamantane backbone and an amino group, was first recognized as an antiviral in 1963 and received approval for prophylaxis against the type A influenza virus in 1976. Since then, it has also been used to treat Parkinson’s disease-related dyskinesia and is being considered as a treatment for corona viruses. Since amantadine usually targets membrane-bound proteins, its interactions with the membrane are also thought to be important. Biological membranes are now widely understood to be laterally heterogeneous and certain proteins are known to preferentially co-localize within specific lipid domains. Does amantadine, therefore, preferentially localize in certain lipid composition domains? To address this question, here, we studied amantadine’s interactions with phase separating membranes composed of cholesterol, DSPC (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine), and DOPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), as well as single-phase DPhPC (1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phos-phocholine) membranes. From Langmuir trough and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, we determined, respectively, that amantadine preferentially binds to disordered lipids, such as POPC, and lowers the phase transition temperature of POPC/DSPC/cholesterol mixtures, implying that amantadine increases membrane disorder. Further, using droplet interface bilayers (DIBs), we observed that amantadine disrupts DPhPC membranes, consistent with its disordering properties. Finally, we carried out molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on POPC/DSPC/cholesterol membranes with varying amounts of amantadine. Consistent with experiment, MD simulations showed that amantadine prefers to associate with disordered POPC-rich domains, domain boundaries, and lipid glycerol backbones. Since different proteins co-localize with different lipid domains, our results have possible implications as to which classes of proteins may be better targets for amantadine.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Trans-Influence in Dinuclear Pt(III) Complexes: Electronic Structure, σ-Donation, and Pt–Pt Spin–Spin Coupling

This study investigates the trans influence in dinuclear platinum(III) complexes using a combined approach of ab initio molecular dynamics and natural localized molecular orbital (NLMO) analysis. Focusing on pivalamidate-bridged Pt III complexes with axial ligands of varying σ-donation strength, it is quantified how ligand−metal interactions propagate through the Pt−Pt bond, and how they affect bond polarization, axial water coordination, and 1 J PtPt spin−spin coupling constants. NLMO analysis reveals quantitatively that strong σ-donating ligands polarize the Pt−Pt bond, shifting the electron density toward the opposite platinum center. The polarization mechanism is identified as the primary reason for the observed reduction of 1 J PtPt , because the bond polarization diminishes the transmission of the nuclear magnetic spin-induced electron spin density through the Pt−Pt bond. Additionally, the destabilization of axial water coordination at the opposite Pt site can be rationalized through a polarizationinduced Pt IV − Pt II -like mixed-valence character.

Ab initio molecular dynamics↗

Circularly Polarized Light-Induced Microwave Conductivity Measurement: Rapid Screening Technique of Electronic Conductivity in Chiral Molecular Materials

Here, we developed circularly polarized light-time-resolved microwave conductivity (CPL-TRMC) for investigation of the CPL-dependent photoinduced charge carrier dynamics in chiral materials with chiroptical properties. Chiral R- or S-perylenediimide (PDI) molecular thin films were paired with handedness-sorted (6,5) and (11,-5) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films to compose a donor (D)-acceptor (A) system for the spin-dependent charge separation process, and the D-A system was examined through linear and circular polarization-dependent steady-state and time-resolved measurements. The R-PDI-(6,5) film exhibited strong enhancement in circular dichroism (CD) and revealed a reversed transient conductivity signal, relative to the polarity of CD in CPL-TRMC measurement upon excitation of the E 11 state, which is interpreted as arising from a spin-dependent initial charge separation process. Through linear polarization-dependent flash photolysis TRMC and circular polarization-resolved femtosecond transient absorption, we could deduce that sub-picosecond intertubular charge separation upon E 11 excitation in SWCNT was responsible for the spin-dependent photoconductivity transients observed in CPL-TRMC measurements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Backbone Dynamics of Bottlebrush Polymers Studied by Neutron Scattering

Bottlebrush polymers have a versatile architecture that is highly customizable due to the combination of a linear backbone and side chains. As a result of the chemical tethering of the side chains, both parts cannot be easily be separated. Huge effort is seen regarding the dynamical behavior of the side chains or the entire bottlebrush polymer, whereas few studies are available considering the backbone. Here, isotopic labeling in combination with quasi-elastic neutron scattering was used to compare the dynamical behavior of the bottlebrush’s backbone with the side chain dynamics. Keeping the side chains deuterated, (h-PNB)- g -(d-PPO), leads to the scattering signal dominated by backbone dynamics, while the fully protonated sample, (h-PNB)- g -(h-PPO), gives side chain dynamics. Both results reveal slower dynamics associated with the backbone with less heterogeneity, as seen for the side chains. Additionally, a plasticizer effect for the backbone dynamics is confirmed by extracting the glass transition temperature and comparing it with pure linear PNB.

neutron scattering↗

Defect-Mediated Diffusion Pathways in Spodumene Accelerate Lithium Transport

Lithium extraction from naturally occurring α-spodumene is hindered by poor lithium diffusivity, necessitating high-temperature phase transformation to a low-density β polymorph. Although β spodumene exhibits up to 5 orders of magnitude higher lithium-ion diffusivity, both phases have diffusion activation energies between 0.8 and 1 eV, indicating that polymorph density is not the controlling factor over diffusivity. We show that aluminum vacancies facilitate lithium-ion diffusion in α-spodumene by reducing the migration barrier from 2.4 to 0.9 eV. Bond valence site energy and nudged elastic band calculations show a new lithium local minimum site which promotes a one-dimensional percolation network by reducing the lithium intersite distance from 4.5 Å to 2.9 Å. However, aluminum vacancies are energetically unfavorable to percolate through the whole structure, resulting in very low net lithium diffusivity and highlighting the critical role of nonstoichiometric defects in facilitating lithium transport in rigid aluminosilicate structures.

Chemical structure↗

Ligand Controls Excited Charge Carrier Dynamics in Metal-Rich CdSe Quantum Dots: Computational Insights

Small metal-rich semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) are promising for solid-state lighting and single-photon emission due to their highly tunable yet narrow emission line widths. Nonetheless, the anionic ligands commonly employed to passivate these QDs exert a substantial influence on the optoelectronic characteristics, primarily owing to strong electron–phonon interactions. In this work, we combine time-domain density functional theory and nonadiabatic molecular dynamics to investigate the excited charge carrier dynamics of Cd 28 Se 17 X 22 QDs (X = HCOO – , OH – , Cl – , and SH – ) at ambient conditions. These chemically distinct but regularly used molecular groups influence the dynamic surface-ligand interfacial interactions in Cd-rich QDs, drastically modifying their vibrational characteristics. The strong electron–phonon coupling leads to substantial transient variations at the band edge states. The strength of these interactions closely depends on the physicochemical characteristics of passivating ligands. Consequently, the ligands largely control the nonradiative recombination rates and emission characteristics in these QDs. Our simulations indicate that Cd 28 Se 17 (OH) 22 has the fastest nonradiative recombination rate due to the strongest electron–phonon interactions. Conversely, QDs passivated with thiolate or chloride exhibit considerably longer carrier lifetimes and suppressed nonradiative processes. The ligand-controlled electron–phonon interactions further give rise to the broadest and narrowest intrinsic optical line widths for OH and Cl-passivated single QDs, respectively. Finally, obtained computational insights lay the groundwork for designing appropriate passivating ligands on metal-rich QDs, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from blue LEDs to quantum emitters.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Insights into the structure and dynamics of K + ions at the muscovite–water interface from machine learning potential simulations

The surfaces of many minerals are covered by naturally occurring cations that become partially hydrated and can be replaced by hydronium or other cations when the surface is exposed to water or an aqueous solution. These ion exchange processes are relevant to various chemical and transport phenomena, yet elucidating their microscopic details is challenging for both experiments and simulations. Here, in this work, we make a first step in this direction by investigating the behavior of the native K + ions at the interface between neat water and the muscovite mica (001) surface with ab-initio -based machine learning molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling simulations. Our results show that the desorption of the surface K + ions in pure ion-free water has a significant free energy barrier irrespective of their local surface arrangement. In contrast, facile K + diffusion between mica’s ditrigonal cavities characterized by different Al/Si orderings is observed. This behavior suggests that the K + ions may favor a dynamic disordered surface arrangement rather than complete desorption when exposed to deionized water.

Ab-initio molecular dynamics↗

Hidden features in the OH-stretching spectra of amino acid decorated air–water interfaces

Chemical reactivity at the air–water interface is governed by the interfacial solvation of reactive species. For instance, during aqueous amino acid-based CO 2 absorption, water reorganizes around the reactive sites and couples dynamically with reaction pathways, facilitating the reaction. In this context, surface-sensitive vibrational sum-frequency generation (vSFG) spectroscopy can probe the OH stretch vibrations of interfacial water and determine the solvation structures around reactants and products, thereby furthering our understanding of the role of interfacial solvation. However, vSFG spectra of the air–water interface in the presence of charged species can be remarkably complex; key species-bound local water structures with distinct orientations may be hidden beneath prominent vSFG peaks arising from water–water hydrogen bonds and remain difficult to resolve. Here, we measure and compute vSFG spectra of the water OH stretch at air–water interfaces decorated with amino acids in their zwitterionic and anionic forms, as well as equimolar mixtures of these forms with bicarbonate. The latter represents post-CO 2 -absorption conditions. We find that computing depth- and frequency-dependent spectral densities—decomposed into contributions from water molecules hydrogen-bonded exclusively to other water molecules, exclusively to amines, exclusively to carboxylates, or shared between these polar/charged groups—is indispensable for accurate interpretation of the vSFG spectra. Key findings include orientational flip-flop in water sub-layers, strong carboxylate-water H-bonding, and water orientational ordering extending into the bulk aqueous phase induced by anionic amino acids. Here, this study provides a computational spectroscopic platform for improved understanding of interfacial solvation relevant to interfacial reactivity.

Air-water interface↗

Reverse phonon thermal flux from an applied electric field

In the phenomenon known as electron drag, a phonon thermal flux is established in a conducting crystal by an electric field applied under isothermal conditions through directed transfer of quasimomentum from the electronic charge current to the phonon subsystem. Prior understanding of this phenomenon involves a thermal current composed of low-frequency acoustic phonons that is in the same direction as the charge current. This results in an increase of the Peltier thermopower. Here, we show that it is also possible to establish a phonon thermal current that is in the opposite direction to the charge current, which we refer to as a reverse phonon thermal flux. We demonstrate this behavior both through a simple qualitative model and through first-principles calculations performed for three materials: p-type 𝜃-TaN, n-type BAs, and n-type Si. The reverse phonon flux is shown to arise through intervalley electron-phonon scattering processes involving high-frequency acoustic phonons. Unlike n-BAs and n-Si, the combined features in the band structure and phonon dispersions of p-type 𝜃-TaN promote a particularly large reverse phonon thermal flux comparable in magnitude to the oppositely directed thermal flux from low-frequency phonons. Finally, this work highlights a previously unrecognized behavior in the coupled electron-phonon system and advances our understanding of the rich physics of transport in solids.

lattice dynamics↗