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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

Structural and Reorientational Dynamics of Tetrahydroborate (BH4-) and Tetrahydrofuran (THF) in a Mg(BH4)2 3THF Adduct: Neutron-Scattering Characterization

Metal borohydrides are considered promising materials for hydrogen storage applications due to their high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen density. Recently, different Lewis bases have been complexed with Mg(BH4)2 in efforts to improve hydrogenation/dehydrogenation properties. Notably, Mg(BH4)2 xTHF adducts involving tetrahydrofuran (THF; C4H8O) have proven to be especially interesting. This work focuses on exploring the physicochemical properties of the THF-rich Mg(BH4)2 3THF adduct using neutron-scattering methods and molecular DFT calculations. Structural analysis, based on neutron diffraction measurements of Mg(11BH4)2 3TDF (D-deuterium), has confirmed a lowering of the symmetry upon cooling, from monoclinic C2/c to P[1 with combining macron] via a triclinic distortion. Vibrational properties are strongly influenced by the THF environment, showing a splitting in spectral features as a result of changes in the bond lengths, force constants, and lowering of the overall symmetry. Interestingly, the orientational mobilities of the BH4- anions obtained from quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) are not particularly sensitive to the presence of THF and compare well with the mobilities of BH4- anions in unsolvated Mg(BH4)2. The QENS data point to uniaxial 180 degree jump reorientations of the BH4- anions around a preferred C2 anion symmetry axis. The THF rings are also found to be orientationally mobile, undergoing 180 degree reorientational jumps around their C2 molecular symmetry axis with jump frequencies about an order of magnitude lower than those for the BH4- anions. In contrast, no dynamical behavior of the THF rings is observed with QENS for a more THF-deficient 2Mg(BH4)2 THF adduct. This lack of comparable THF mobility may reflect a stronger Mg2+-THF bonding interaction for lower THF/Mg(BH4)2 stoichiometric ratios, which is consistent with DFT calculations showing a decrease in the binding energy with each additional THF ring in the adduct. Based on the combined experimental and computational results, we propose that combining THF and Mg(BH4)2 is beneficial to (i) preventing weakly bound THF from coming free from the Mg2+ cation and reducing the concentration of any unwanted impurity in the hydrogen and (ii) disrupting the stability of the crystalline phase, leading to a lower melting point and enhanced kinetics for any potential hydrogen storage applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of piperidinium ionic liquids: a comparison to the charge delocalised pyridinium analogues

In this study, nine piperidinium-based ionic liquids are analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect of alkyl substituent length and the nature of the anion on the electronic environment of the cation are investigated. The electronic environment of the hetero carbon and the cationic nitrogen is compared between two structurally similar cations, 1-octyl-1-methylpiperidinium ([C 8 C 1 Pip] + ) versus 1-octylpyridinium ([C 8 Py] + ). Due to the charge delocalisation, the hetero carbon component within [C 8 Py] + is more positively charged, which exhibits much higher binding energy; whilst the cationic nitrogen component is in the similar electronic environment. The impact of the charge delocalisation on the electronic environment of the anion is also compared between [C 8 C 1 Pip] + and [C 8 Py] + . Here, it is found that for the more basic anion, the cation can significantly affect the electronic environment of the anion; for the less basic anion, such an effect concentrates on the component bearing more negative point charges.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structural mapping and tuning of mixed halide ions in amorphous sulfides for fast Li-ion conduction and high deformability

Amorphous sulfides are among the most promising candidates for solid electrolytes (SEs) owing to their excellent deformability and acceptable Li-ion conductivity (σion) at room temperature. However, the complex atomic structure of these amorphous materials without long-range ordering results in a lack of structural understanding and difficulties in tuning material properties. Here, in this study, we performed structural mapping of glassy sulfide SEs composed of various anion clusters using a combinatorial atomic level analysis of synchrotron X-ray-based pair distribution function (PDF) and reverse Monte-Carlo (RMC) methods, demonstrating the potential to tune σ ion in glass SEs. First, we prepared a new glassy sulfide with a mixed anion framework of two halogens (Br and I) as atomic anions, with PS 4 3- molecular anions in a Li 2 S–P 2 S 5 -based glass SE. At a specific Br content, [(Li 2 S) 0.658 (LiI 0.9 LiBr 0.1 ) 0.342 ] 0.825 [P 2 S 5 ] 0.175 recorded a σ ion of 2.27 mS cm -1 , the highest value for any glass sulfides reported to date; however, its elastic modulus was still suppressed to 14.48 GPa. PDF and RMC calculations successfully provided structural mapping of anion clusters, including two halogens. Molecular dynamics simulations of each composition confirmed that flexible coordination caused by the rattling of small polarizable Br ions in the mixed halogens of glassy SEs contributed to the superior σ ion . Our results may provide new insights into the design of superior glassy SEs that play key roles in all-solid-state batteries requiring fast Li-ion conduction and high deformability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A comprehensive study on three typical photoacid generators using photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations

Conducting a comprehensive molecular-level evaluation of a photoacid generator (PAG) and its subsequent impact on lithography performance can facilitate the rational design of a promising 193 nm photoresist tailored to specific requirements. In this study, we integrated spectroscopy and computational techniques to meticulously investigate the pivotal factors of three prototypical PAG anions, p-toluenesulfonate (pTS - ), 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate (TFMBS - ), and triflate (TF - ), in the lithography process. Our findings reveal a significant redshift in the absorption spectra caused by specific PAG anions, attributed to their involvement in electronic transition processes, thereby enhancing the transparency of the standard PAG cation, triphenylsulfonium (TPS + ), particularly at ~193 nm. Furthermore, the electronic stability of PAG anions can be enhanced by solvent effects with varying degrees of strength. Here we observed the lowest vertical detachment energy of 6.6 eV of pTS - in PGMEA solution based on the polarizable continuum model, which prevents anion loss at 193 nm lithography. In addition, our findings indicate gas-phase proton affinity values of 316.4 kcal/mol for pTS - , 308.1 kcal/mol for TFMBS - , and 303.2 kcal/mol for TF - , which suggest the increasing acidity strength, yet even the weakest acid pTS - is still stronger than strong acid HBr. The photolysis of TPS + -based PAG, TPS + ·pTS - , generated an excited state leading to homolysis bond cleavage with the lowest reaction energy of 83 kcal/mol. Overall, the PAG anion pTS - displayed moderate acidity, possessed the lowest photolysis reaction energy, and demonstrated an appropriate redshift. These properties collectively render it a promising candidate for an effective acid producer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Influence of counterion substitution on the properties of imidazolium-based ionic liquid clusters

Due to their unique physiochemical properties that may be tailored for specific purposes, ionic liquids (ILs) have been investigated for various applications, including chemical separations, catalysis, energy storage, and space propulsion. The different cations and anions comprising ILs may be selected to optimize a range of desired properties, such as thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and volatility, leading to the designation of certain ILs as designer “green” solvents. The effect of counterions on the properties of ILs is of both fundamental scientific interest and technological importance. Herein, we report a systematic experimental and theoretical investigation of the size, charge, stability toward dissociation, and geometric/electronic structure of 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium (EMIM)-based IL clusters containing two different atomic counterions (i.e., bromide [Br − ] and iodide [I − ]). This work extends our studies of EMIM + cations with atomic chloride (Cl − ) and molecular tetrafluoroborate (BF 4 − ) anions reported previously by Baxter et al. [Chem. Mater. 34, 2612 (2022)] and Zhang et al . [J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 11, 6844 (2020)], respectively. Distributions of anionic IL clusters were generated in the gas phase using electrospray ionization and characterized by high mass resolution mass spectrometry, energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation, and negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy experiments. The experimental results reveal anion-dependent trends in the size distribution, relative abundance, ionic charge state, stability toward dissociation, and electron binding energies of the IL clusters. Complementary global optimization theory provides molecular-level insights into the bonding and electronic structure of a selected subset of clusters, including their low energy structures and electrostatic potential maps, and how these fundamental characteristics are influenced by anion substitution. Collectively, our findings demonstrate how the fundamental properties of ILs, which determine their suitability for many applications, may be tuned by substituting counterions. These observations are critical in the sub-nanometer cluster size regime where phenomena do not scale predictably to the bulk phase, and each atom counts toward determining behavior.

cluster↗

Direct Formation and Structural Characterization of Electride C12A7

Ca 12 Al 14 O 33 (C12A7 or Mayenite) is a material whose caged clathrate structure and occluded anionic species leads to significant functionality. The creation of occluded anionic vacancies leads to the injection of localized electrons at the center of the cage, converting the wide band gap insulator to a semi- or metallic conducting material. The conversion to the electride historically requires the synthesis of oxy-C12A7, consolidation, and then reduction to introduce anionic vacancies. This report develops and characterizes an electride formation procedure from three starting points: unconsolidated oxy-C12A7, heterogenous solid-state reactants (CaCO 3 and Al 2 O 3 ), and homogenous non-carbonaceous polymer assisted sol-gel reactants. Electride-C12A7 formation is observed in a vacuum furnace where the reactants are in direct contact with a carbon source. Process time and temperature-dependent structural characterization provides insight into the source of high temperature C12A7 stability, the mechanism of anionic vacancy formation, and the magnitude of ultimate conductivity that cannot be explained by current reduction theories. A new theory is presented where mixed O- and C-occupied cages lead to high temperature stability, oxidation of C species creates anionic vacancies, and an equilibrium between the reducing power of the electride-C12A7 and of the C species leads to the ultimate conductivity achieved by the process. This represents a shift in understanding of the carbonaceous reduction process and the first report of high purity electride-C12A7 formation from heterogenous solid-state reactants and homogenous non-carbonaceous polymer assisted sol-gel reactants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

SF6 Negative Ion Formation in Charge Transfer Experiments

In the present work, we report an update and extension of the previous ion-pair formation study of Hubers, M.M.; Los, J. Chem. Phys. 1975, 10, 235–259, noting new fragment anions from time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The branching ratios obtained from the negative ions formed in K + SF6 collisions, in a wide energy range from 10.7 up to 213.1 eV in the centre-of-mass frame, show that the main anion is assigned to SF5− and contributing to more than 70% of the total ion yield, followed by the non-dissociated parent anion SF6− and F−. Other less intense anions amounting to <20% are assigned to SF3− and F2−, while a trace contribution at 32u is tentatively assigned to S− formation, although the rather complex intramolecular energy redistribution within the temporary negative ion is formed during the collision. An energy loss spectrum of potassium cation post-collision is recorded showing features that have been assigned with the help of theoretical calculations. Quantum chemical calculations for the lowest-lying unoccupied molecular orbitals in the presence of a potassium atom are performed to support the experimental findings. Apart from the role of the different resonances participating in the formation of different anions, the role of higher-lying electronic-excited states of Rydberg character are noted.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Locations of Bromide Ions in Tetragonal Lysozyme Crystals

Anions have been shown to play a dominant role in the crystallization of chicken egg-white lysozyme from salt solutions. Previous studies employing X-ray crystallography have found one chloride ion binding site in the tetragonal crystal form of the protein and four nitrate ion binding sites in the monoclinic form. In this study the anion positions in the tetragonal form were determined from the difference Fourier map obtained from lysozyme crystals grown in bromide and chloride solutions. Five possible anion-binding sites were found in this manner. Some of these sites were in pockets containing basic residues while others were near neutral, but polar, residues. The sole chloride ion binding site found in previous studies was confirmed, while four further sites were found which corresponded to the four binding sites found for nitrate ions in monoclinic crystals. The study suggests that most of the anion-binding sites in lysozyme remain unchanged even when different anions and different crystal forms of lysozyme are employed.

Lim, Kap↗

Location of Bromide Ions in Tetragonal Lysozyme Crystals

Anions have been shown to play a dominant role in the crystallization of chicken egg white lysozyme from salt solutions. Previous studies employing X-ray crystallography had found one chloride ion binding site in the tetragonal crystal form of the protein and four nitrate ion binding sites in the monoclinic form. In this study the anion positions in the tetragonal form were determined from the difference Fourier map obtained from lysozyme crystal grown in bromide and chloride solutions. Five possible anion binding sites were found in this manner. Some of these sites were in pockets containing basic residues while others were near neutral, but polar, residues. The sole chloride ion binding site found in previous studies was confirmed, while four of these sites corresponded to four binding sites found for nitrate ions in monoclinic crystals. The study suggests that most of the anion binding sites in lysozyme remain unchanged, even when different anions and different crystal forms of lysozyme are employed.

Lim, Kap↗

Two genetically separable phases of growth inhibition induced by blue light in Arabidopsis seedlings

High fluence-rate blue light (BL) rapidly inhibits hypocotyl growth in Arabidopsis, as in other species, after a lag time of 30 s. This growth inhibition is always preceded by the activation of anion channels. The membrane depolarization that results from the activation of anion channels by BL was only 30% of the wild-type magnitude in hy4, a mutant lacking the HY4 BL receptor. High-resolution measurements of growth made with a computer-linked displacement transducer or digitized images revealed that BL caused a rapid inhibition of growth in wild-type and hy4 seedlings. This inhibition persisted in wild-type seedlings during more than 40 h of continuous BL. By contrast, hy4 escaped from the initial inhibition after approximately 1 h of BL and grew faster than wild type for approximately 30 h. Wild-type seedlings treated with 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid, a potent blocker of the BL-activated anion channel, displayed rapid growth inhibition, but, similar to hy4, these seedlings escaped from inhibition after approximately 1 h of BL and phenocopied the mutant for at least 2.5 h. The effects of 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid and the HY4 mutation were not additive. Taken together, the results indicate that BL acts through HY4 to activate anion channels at the plasma membrane, causing growth inhibition that begins after approximately 1 h. Neither HY4 nor anion channels appear to participate greatly in the initial phase of inhibition.

Non-NASA Center↗

Computational and Experimental Investigation of Li-doped Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: [pyr14][tfsi], [pyr13][fsi], and [EMIM][BF4]

We employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and experiment to investigate the structure, thermodynamics, and transport of N-methyl-N-butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsufonyl)imide ([pyr14][TFSI]), N -methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosufonyl)imide ([pyr13][FSI]), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium boron tetrafluoride ([EMIM][BF4]), as a function of Li-salt mole fraction (0.05 xLi+ 0.33) and temperature (298 K T 393 K). Structurally, Li+ is shown to be solvated by three anion neigh- bors in [pyr14][TFSI] and four anion neighbors in both [pyr13][FSI] and [EMIM][BF4], and at all levels of xLi+ we find the presence of lithium aggregates. Pulsed field gradient spin-echo NMR measurements of diffusion and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements of ionic conductivity are made for the neat ionic liquids as well as 0.5 molal solutions of Li-salt in the ionic liquids. Bulk ionic liquid properties (density, diffusion, viscosity, and ionic conductivity) are obtained with MD and show excellent agreement with experiment. While the diffusion exhibits a systematic decrease with increasing xLi+, the contribution of Li+ to ionic conductivity increases until reach- ing a saturation doping level of xLi+ 0.10. Comparatively, the Li+ conductivity of [pyr14][TFSI] is an order of magnitude lower than that of the other liquids, which range between 0.1-0.3 mScm. Our transport results also demonstrate the necessity of long MD simulation runs ( 200 ns) required to converge transport properties at room T. The differences in Li+ transport are reflected in the residence times of Li+ with the anions (Li), which are revealed to be much larger for [pyr14][TFSI] (up to 100 ns at the highest doping levels) than in either [EMIM][BF4] or [pyr13][FSI]. Finally, to comment on the relative kinetics of Li+ transport in each liquid, we find that while the net motion of Li+ with its solvation shell (vehicular) significantly contributes to net diffusion in all liquids, the importance of transport through anion exchange (hopping) increases at high xLi+ and in liquids with large anions.

electrolytes↗

Energy and Spectroscopic Characterization of the Isomers of C4H3-, C6H3-, and C6H5-

Organic and inorganic molecules, neutral and ions have been observed in the interstellar medium. A few anions of organic molecules have also been observed recently. The Cassini spacecraft in the upper atmosphere of Titan has observed anions of large organic molecules. In this project we have studied the physical and spectroscopic properties of C4H3-, C6H3-, and C6H5-. We have optimized the geometrical structures of all low-lying isomers of the anions, calculated rotational, and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the anions mentioned above using the B3LYP density functional along with the augmented correlation consistent polar valence triple zeta (aug-cc-pVTZ) basis set. We have found many low-lying isomers on the potential energy surface of these anions.

Energy↗

Sorption agent, method of making a sorption agent and barrier system

An anionic sorption agent, method for forming the anionic sorption agent and a barrier system are disclosed. The anionic sorption agent including a modified pseudo or glycol-boehmite base comprising a structure having cationic metal ion sites. The method for forming the anionic sorption agent includes providing a pseudo or glycol-boehmite base and contacting the pseudo or glycol-boehmite base a modifying composition comprising a metallic ion to form the modified pseudo or glycol-boehmite base comprising a structure having cationic metal ion sites. The barrier system includes the anionic sorption agent comprising a first barrier component comprising a modified pseudo or glycol-boehmite base comprising a structure having cationic metal ion sites and a second barrier component comprising a cationic sorption agent.

Matteo, Edward N.↗

Method for electrochemical gas separation

A method for separating a Lewis acid gas from a fluid mixture, comprising contacting the fluid mixture with a reduced electroactive species; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a stabilizing additive to form an anion adduct between the Lewis acid gas and the reduced electroactive species, wherein the electroactive species comprises an oxidized state, and at least one reduced state that bonds with the Lewis acid gas to form the anion adduct, wherein the stabilizing additive comprises a cationic Lewis acid, a hydrogen-bond donor, or a combination thereof, and the stabilizing additive is present in an effective amount to kinetically favor the forming of the anion adduct from the reduced electroactive species and thermodynamically favor the forming of the anion adduct in the thermodynamic equilibrium between the anion adduct and the reduced electroactive species.

Source record↗

Confinement of quasi-atomic structures in Ti 2 N and Ti 3 N 2 MXene electrides

Metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides of early transition metals, better known as MXenes, possess notable structural, electrical, and magnetic properties. Analyzing electronic structures by calculating structural stability, band structure, density of states, Bader charge transfer, and work functions utilizing first principle calculations, we revealed that titanium nitride MXenes, namely Ti 2 N and Ti 3 N 2 , have excess anionic electrons in their lattice voids, making them MXene electrides. Bulk Ti 3 N 2 has competing antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) configurations with slightly more stable AFM configuration, while the Ti 2 N MXene is nonmagnetic. Although Ti 3 N 2 favors AFM configuration with hexagonal crystal systems having 6/ mmm point group symmetry, Ti 3 N 2 does not support altermagnetism. The monolayer of the Ti 3 N 2 MXene is a ferromagnetic electride. These unique properties of having non-nuclear interstitial anionic electrons in the electronic structure of titanium nitride MXene have not yet been reported in the literature. Density functional theory calculations show TiN is neither an electride, MXene, or magnetic.

Anionic electrons↗

Modulating the Electron Affinity of Small Bipyridyl Molecules on Single Gold Nanoparticles for Plasmon-Driven Electron Transfer

Developing controlled platforms for plasmon-driven chemistry is of great importance in catalytic reactions at the nanoscale. We report anion radical formation for five bipyridyl complexes of varying degrees of electron affinity utilizing optically fo-cused intraband (594 nm) and interband (532 nm) pump excitation of single gold nanoparticles. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of anion radicals for the five non-resonant adsorbed molecules 2,2’-bipyridine (22BPY), 4,4’-bipyridine (44BPY), trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (BPE), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)acetylene (BPA), and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (BPEt) were detected using localized surface-plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation with 785 nm. The electron affinity of the five bipyridyl complexes were determined using electrochemistry. Molecules with low electron affinity experienced high-er instances of radical anion formation under a plasmon-coupled intraband electron transfer excitation (594 nm) whereas molecules with high electron affinity showed a preference for anion radical formation under direct interband electron trans-fer excitation (532 nm). The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels for low electron affinity surface-bound molecules (22BPY, BPEt) are on average ~0.43 eV higher for high electron affinity surface-bound molecules (BPA, BPE, 44BPY) as calculated using time-dependent density functional theory, elucidating the importance of plasmon coupling to energy levels that facilitate charge transfer pathways. We also show the ability to ‘activate’ high vs low electron affinity single nanoparticles with the choice of pump excitation wavelength. The findings show the complex interplay between molecular electron affinity, orbital overlap with the density of states of the plasmonic metal, and excitation energetics of the pump laser wavelength. Potential applications of this work include enhanced control over molecular scale catalysis, biosensor design, and solar energy capture.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Double Paddle‐Wheel Enhanced Sodium Ion Conduction in an Antiperovskite Solid Electrolyte

Abstract Antiperovskite structure compounds (X 3 AB, where X is an alkali cation and A and B are anions) have the potential for highly correlated motion between the cation and a cluster anion on the A or B site. This so‐called “paddle‐wheel” mechanism may be the basis for enhanced cation mobility in solid electrolytes. Through combined experiments and modeling, the first instance of a double paddle‐wheel mechanism, leading to fast sodium ion conduction in the antiperovskite Na 3− x O 1− x (NH 2 ) x (BH 4 ), is shown. As the concentration of amide (NH 2 − ) cluster anions is increased, large positive deviations in ionic conductivity above that predicted from a vacancy diffusion model are observed. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, and NMR, the cluster anion rotational dynamics are characterized and it is found that cation mobility is influenced by the rotation of both NH 2 − and BH 4 − species, resulting in sodium ion conductivity a factor of 10 2 higher at x = 1 than expected for the vacancy mechanism alone. Generalization of this phenomenon to other compounds could accelerate fast ion conductor exploration and design.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

ThH 5 : An Actinide–Containing Superhalogen Molecule

Thorium and its compounds have been widely investigated as important nuclear materials. Previous research focused on the potential use of thorium hydrides, such as ThH 2 , ThH 4 , and Th 4 H 15 , as nuclear fuels. Here, we report studies of the anion, ThH 5 , by anion photoelectron spectroscopy and computations. The resulting experimental and theoretical vertical detachment energies (VDE) for ThH 5 are 4.09 eV and 4.11 eV, respectively. These values and the agreement between theory and experiment facilitated the characterization of the structure of the ThH 5 anion and showed its neutral counterpart, ThH 5 to be a superhalogen. ThH 5 , which exhibits a C 4v structure with five Th–H single bonds, possesses the largest known H/M ratio among the actinide elements, M. Here, the adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) method was used to further analyze the chemical bonding of ThH 5 – and to confirm the existence of five Th–H single bonds in the ThH 5 – molecular anion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗