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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Measuring Vibronic Coupling and Ultrafast Charge Delocalization on Nanocrystal Surfaces Using Ligand-Specific Vibrational Probes

The primary goal of this proposal was to measure and quantify how vibronic ligand-exciton interactions at the inorganic-organic interface of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) govern femtosecond non-radiative relaxation and charge delocalization mechanisms as a function of nanocrystal and ligand structures – including NC size, shape, and ligand identity. Molecular-scale chemical and physical properties and interactions of surface ligands dictate nanocrystal exciton dynamics on the femto-to-microsecond timescales. Improvements in synthesis, experimental, and theoretical characterizations have enhanced our understanding of NC photophysics. However, quantitative descriptions of complex ligand-exciton interactions at the NC surface have remained elusive, which limits elucidation of relaxation mechanisms that determine overall carrier transfer dynamics at the exciton-ligand interface. Thus, the central motivation for this proposal was to fill a significant knowledge gap for judicious selection of ligand-functionalized nanocrystals for targeted isolation and capture of charge carriers to drive selective organic photocatalytic transformations in NC photocatalysts and NC-assembled photonic materials. Our unique two-pronged experimental approach combining nanocrystal synthesis and ligand-specific nonlinear spectroscopy has resulted in (i) four peer-reviewed publications; (ii) 12+ invited and contributed posters and talks at national and international scientific meetings and seminars, (iii) two completed PhD theses, (iv) training of two postdoctoral researchers, three PhD students, and two undergraduate students, and (v) two manuscripts under preparation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1984

A new analysis of charge transfer and polarization for ligand-metal bonding - Model studies of Al4CO and Al4NH3

The nature of the bonding of CO and NH3 ligands to Al is analyzed, and the intra-unit charge polarization and inter-unit donation for the interaction of ligands with metals are studied. The consequences of metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-metal charge transfer are separately considered by performing a constrained space orbital variation (CSOV) with the electrons of the metal member of the complex in the field of frozen ligand. The electrons of the metal atoms are then frozen in the relaxed distribution given by the CSOV SCF wave function and the ligand electrons are allowed to relax. Quantitative measures of the importance of inter-unit charge transfers and intra-unit polarization are obtained using results of SCF studies of Al4CO and Al4NH3 clusters chosen to simulate the adsorption of the ligands at an on-top side of the Al(111) surface. The electrostatic attraction of the effective dipole moments of the metal and ligand units makes an important contribution to the bond.

Bagus, P. S.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Revealing Parallel Inter‐ and Intra‐Ligand Charge Transfer Dynamics in [Ru(L) 2 (dppz)] 2+ Molecular Lightswitch with N K‐Edge X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

In photoactive metal complexes the localization of photoexcited charges dictates the site of chemical reactivity, but few studies measure the charge redistribution in these systems with spatial precision. Herein, we track the inter- and intra-ligand charge transfer processes that underpin light-driven charge separation in the well-studied “molecular lightswitch” [Ru(bpy) 2 dppz] 2+ (aqueous [Ruthenium II (2,2′-bipyridine)2(dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine)] 2+ [Cl − ] 2 ) by probing the electronic structure of ligand nitrogen atoms in real-time using ultrafast X-ray absorption spectroscopy and first principles calculations. We confirm the localization of excited electron density on the phenazine N atoms of dppz and we newly identify two parallel electron transfer pathways to populate this state. Sub-70 fs electron transfer to the phenazine portion of dppz is observed and attributed to intra-ligand electron transfer following Ru-to-dppz metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excitation. This fast charge transfer was not reported in prior ultrafast studies. The slower (ca. 2 ps) charge transfer reported extensively in time-resolved optical absorption and emission studies is reassigned here to inter-ligand electron “hopping” between nearly isoenergetic ligand moieties following Ru-to-bpy MLCT excitation. In conclusion, the results demonstrate much faster charge separation than previously identified in this well-studied system, highlighting how extended azaacene ligand motifs promote the competitive charge transfer processes needed to drive light-driven electron transfer chemistry.

Donor-acceptor systems↗
DOE OSTI2025

Bio‐Inspired In Situ Tuning of the Hydrophobic Environment Around Catalytically Active Organic Ligand‐Stabilized Ruthenium Nanoparticles

Abstract The organic ligand environment surrounding enzymatic and homogeneous catalytic active sites often determines catalytic activity. Ruthenium nanoparticles, ≤1 nm in diameter, are synthesized using monodentate thiol, monodentate phosphine, and bidentate bisphosphine ligands. Even though some of the ruthenium surface is blocked by the ligands, catalytic activity is still observed for CO oxidation and H 2 O 2 decomposition. All three ligand‐stabilized ruthenium nanoparticles have similar CO oxidation rates; however, the bisphosphine‐stabilized Ru nanoparticles are approximately 2.5 times less active than the monothiol‐stabilized and monophosphine‐stabilized ruthenium nanoparticles for H 2 O 2 decomposition. It is observed that the organic ligand environment is modulated in situ during nanoparticle synthesis via partial oxidation of the bisphosphine as confirmed by 31 P NMR measurements. We hypothesize that bisphosphine‐bound Ru nanoparticles consist of a Ru core with some of the ligands bound in a monodentate manner where the other P atom is oxidized and not bound to the Ru surface leading to a thicker hydrophobic layer around the Ru nanoparticles. The increase in hydrophobicity is confirmed via contact angle and zeta potential measurements. H 2 O 2 decomposition rates are known to decrease with increasing hydrophobicity, and this work illustrates a pathway for increasing hydrophobicity in situ using ligand‐bound metallic nanoparticles.

Sufyan, Sayed Abu [Department of Chemical Engineer↗
DOE OSTI2025

Catalysis activity and chemoselectivity control with the trans ligand in Ru–H pincer complexes

(PhPN H P)Ru(H)(Cl)(CO) serves as a precatalyst to a variety of important catalytic transformations but most improvements have been restricted to the replacement of the CO ligand cis to the hydride or changing the Ph groups of the pincer for other aryl or alkyl groups. The ligand trans to the hydride is often another hydride and studies that utilize other trans ligands in catalysis are limited. Here, in this work, we synthesized a series of [(PhPN H P)Ru(H)(CO)(L)][BPh 4 ] complexes bearing isonitrile, PMe 3 , or a N-heterocyclic ligand trans to the Ru–H. We compared the new complexes abilities to catalyze the transfer hydrogenation of ketones. We found that all the trans ligands improved the chemoselectivity and stability of the catalysts; and strong π-accepting ligands resulted in poor catalytic activities whereas strong σ-donating ligands accelerated the catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Variable Surface Termination and Ligand Passivation of Lead Sulfide Nanocrystals Synthesized with Excess Lead Chloride

The surface termination and ligand passivation of semiconducting nanocrystals (NCs) impact the stability, optical properties, and self-assembly of NCs. In this work, we definitively characterize the surface of lead sulfide (PbS) NCs synthesized from excess PbCl 2 . With a combination of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), photoluminescence, and 1D and 2D NMR experiments, we show that the surface termination of PbS NCs depends on the presence of PbCl 2 during ligand exchange. When excess PbCl 2 is removed prior to ligand exchange, PbS[RNH 3 + Cl – ] NCs are obtained, which are terminated by a monolayer of PbCl x on the {100} PbS facet and passivated by oleylammonium chloride ligands. On the other hand, when excess PbCl 2 remains in solution during ligand exchange, lead oleate forms and attaches to the {111} PbS facets of PbS[RNH 3 + Cl – ] NCs, creating PbS@PbCl x NCs. PbS@PbCl x NCs are coated in an epitaxial layer of PbCl x on both the {100} PbS and {111} PbS facets, making them 0.3–0.4 nm larger on average than PbS[RNH 3 + Cl – ] NCs with identical absorption wavelengths. Additionally, PbS@PbCl x NCs have a consistently higher photoluminescence quantum yield and longer photoluminescence lifetimes than PbS[RNH 3 + Cl – ] NCs. This study clarifies the surface structure of PbS NCs synthesized from excess PbCl 2 , highlighting ligand exchange strategies and reconciling observations from across the literature.

Anions↗
DOE OSTI2024

A New Triketone Ligand for Extraction of Lithium from Brines**

Recovery of lithium from brines by liquid-liquid solvent extraction (LLE) with diketones and synergistic co-ligands has been investigated for decades, but industrial application has been limited. In pursuit of a ligand with improved properties, a series of ketonamides with beta-carbonyl groups were designed, synthesized, and tested in extraction of lithium from sulfate and carbonate simulants of clay mineral tailing leachates. The best performing ligand, a novel tricarbonyl amide, was characterized for lithium extraction with and without four synergistic co-ligands. Further, the tricarbonyl amide combined with the synergistic co-ligand Cyanex-923 was absorbed on a resin support. The ligand-modified resin was tested for performance in extraction of dilute brine simulants and up to 60 % recovery of lithium was achieved.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ligand Noninnocence in β-Diketiminate and β-Diketimine Copper Complexes

Metal–ligand cooperative systems have a long precedent in catalysis, with the classification depending on the site of substrate bond cleavage and formation and on redox state changes. Recently, our group reported the participation of a β-diketiminate ligand in chemical bonding to heterocumulenes such as CO 2 and CS 2 by tricopper complexes, leading to cooperative catalysis. Herein, we report the reactivity of these copper clusters, [Cu 3 EL] – (E = S, Se; L = tris(β-diketiminate) cyclophane ligand), toward other electrophiles, viz. alkyl halides and Brønsted acids. We identified a family of ligand-functionalized complexes, Cu 3 EL (R) (R = primary alkyls), and a series of disubstituted products, Cu 3 EL (R) 2 , through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and infrared and UV–visible spectroscopy. Furthermore, as part of mechanistic studies on these alkylation reactions, we evaluated the acid–base reactivity of these complexes and the influence of the backbone substitution on the reduction potential. Implications of these findings for ligand noninnocence and the relevance of the metal core as a cofactor for the ligand’s reactivity are discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Metal–Ligand Covalency in the Valence Excited States of Metal Dithiolenes Revealed by S 1s3p Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering

Metallo dithiolene complexes with biological and catalytic relevance are well-known for having strong metal–ligand covalency, which dictates their valence electronic structures. We present the resonant sulfur Kβ (1s3p) X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) for a series of Ni and Cu bis(dithiolene) complexes to reveal the ligand sulfur contributions to both the occupied and unoccupied valence orbitals. While S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy played a critical role in identifying the covalency of the unoccupied orbitals of metal dithiolenes, the present focus on XES explores the occupied density of states. For a series of [Cu(mnt) 2 ] n– and [Ni(mnt) 2 ] n– anions and dianions, a comparison of the nonresonant and resonant S Kβ XES spectra highlights the dramatic improvement in spectral resolution and corresponding ability to differentiate subtle changes in occupied electronic structure across the series. Furthermore, the use of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) probes the valence excited states and the core–valence couplings of the complexes. By employing a theoretical approach based on time-dependent density functional theory to interpret the RIXS spectra, we reveal how metal–ligand covalency influences the excited state energies and covalencies. We identify the low energy excited states as having the same symmetry as the nominal “ligand field” or “d–d” states that typically dominate the photophysics of 3d metal complexes but with significant metal– ligand charge transfer character dictated by their covalency. These results suggest that strong metal–ligand covalency can be used to influence the charge-transfer photochemistry of first row transition metal complexes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Structural and Electronic Tuning of Luminescent Zn II Complexes Based on an o -Terphenyl Ligand Motif

Here, the structural and photophysical properties of five chiral Zn complexes incorporating a carbazolate (Cz) donor that is electronically decoupled from a pyridyl acceptor by an ortho -connection to a bridging phenylene group are presented. The bidentate ligand in the unsubstituted bis-ligated parent complex was methylated at key positions to constrain the torsional freedom of the donor/acceptor moieties, resulting in three structurally modified bis-ligated derivatives, all exhibiting energy gaps between the singlet and triplet excited states (ΔE ST ) between 22 and 27 meV. Methylation improves the photoluminescence quantum yield (up to 30% in solution), while the low ΔE ST of these complexes allows for dual-emission properties in all of the bis-ligated derivatives. Structural modification of the Cz/pyridyl ligand was also investigated by linking the unsubstituted bidentate ligand to generate a tetradentate, tetrapodal ligand. The solution-state structure of the tetradentate ligand is similar in its free and ligated forms, featuring a binding site reminiscent of enzymes and metal-sequestering ligands. The resulting tetradentate complex [Zn(N 2 R 2 )] shows enhanced through-bond conjugation, increasing the ΔE ST to 89 meV, thereby eliminating the dual-emission characteristics of the bis-ligated complexes. Furthermore, this complex shows a 50-fold improvement in hydrolytic stability in organic solution relative to the parent complex. These compounds and their analyses are intended to enrich the understanding of compounds exhibiting through-space charge transfer and guide the search for earth-abundant metal complexes for applications in photosensitization and luminescence.

aromatic compounds↗
DOE OSTI2026

Adsorption of hydroxamic acid ligands for improved extraction of rare earth elements from monazite ores

Efficient separation of rare earth element (REE) ores via froth flotation requires the development of novel ligands with enhanced adsorption capacity and selectivity. To realize these advances, understanding the mechanisms underlying interactions between the ligand and mineral surfaces is essential. This study systematically evaluates the adsorption behavior of alkyl- and aromatic alkyl-substituted hydroxamic acid ligands on monazite surfaces using complementary spectroscopic techniques, including UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy, together with the ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Among the studied ligands, octanohydroxamic acid (OHA) and 4-ethoxy-N,2-dihydroxybenzamide (EDHBA) exhibit high adsorption capacity under basic pH (8–10) by forming multilayers on the surface. OHA has a higher equilibrium adsorption capacity compared to EDHBA, but it forms a less stable multilayer susceptible to disruption in the presence of interfering ions. AIMD results show that OHA adopts a single stable chelating geometry, while EDHBA exhibits multiple binding modes involving distinct interactions with La surface atoms and phosphate-bound oxygens, resulting in more complex adsorption kinetics. The variations in surface binding and intermolecular interactions observed between alkyl and aromatic molecules influence the differences in adsorption kinetics, equilibrium adsorption capacities on the mineral surface, and their flotation performance. This work provides valuable insight into the adsorption mechanism of ligands at mineral interfaces, which is crucial for guiding the design of new ligands with enhanced separation performance.

Zhou, Muchu [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000182650215)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Can Dithiolate Ligands Report Electronic Communication in Transuranium Complexes?

The actinide elements, and in particular the transuranic elements, are some of the least studied elements on the periodic table. The degree of covalent bonding between the actinide elements and ligands in is not well understood. Dithiolene/dithiolate ligands provided a revolution in understanding the bonding in transition metals through the geometric differences the ligands exhibit when interacting with electron deficient or abundant metal centers. To test if dithiolene/dithiolate ligands can be utilized to provide an analogous understanding of transuranic element bonding, density functional theory calculations have been performed on U, Np, and Pu complexes of the formula Cp 2 AnS 2 C 2 H 2 . These calculations show that the dithiolate maintains its non-innocent redox active nature when bonding with actinides. In stark contrast with the transition metals, the direction of electron donation is reversed, in the actinide series the direction of electron flow in high fold cases is from the metal center to the ligand. In conclusion, this suggests the communication is between the π* system of the ligand interacting with the f orbitals of the metal center.

Prange, Micah P. [Pacific Northwest National Labor↗
DOE OSTI2024

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↗
DOE OSTI2024

Highly multiplexed design of an allosteric transcription factor to sense new ligands

Allosteric transcription factors (aTF) regulate gene expression through conformational changes induced by small molecule binding. Although widely used as biosensors, aTFs have proven challenging to design for detecting new molecules because mutation of ligand-binding residues often disrupts allostery. Here, we develop Sensor-seq, a high-throughput platform to design and identify aTF biosensors that bind to non-native ligands. We screen a library of 17,737 variants of the aTF TtgR, a regulator of a multidrug exporter, against six non-native ligands of diverse chemical structures – four derivatives of the cancer therapeutic tamoxifen, the antimalarial drug quinine, and the opiate analog naltrexone – as well as two native flavonoid ligands, naringenin and phloretin. Sensor-seq identifies biosensors for each of these ligands with high dynamic range and diverse specificity profiles. The structure of a naltrexone-bound design shows shape-complementary methionine-aromatic interactions driving ligand specificity. To demonstrate practical utility, we develop cell-free detection systems for naltrexone and quinine. Sensor-seq enables rapid and scalable design of new biosensors, overcoming constraints of natural biosensors.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1991

The bonding of multiple ligands to Mg(+) and Al(+)

The bonding of one to four waterligands to Mg(+) and Al(+) is studied. The bonding is very different from that found for multiple ligands bound to Na(+) or Cu(+). All the waters bind on the same side of the Mg or Al because of the polarization of the 3s orbital away from the ligands. Two benzene and methanol molecules also have a ligand-Mg-ligand angle of less than 180 deg with the angle determined by ligand-ligand repulsion.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Predicting receptor-ligand pairing preferences in plant-microbe interfaces via molecular dynamics and machine learning

Microbiome assembly, structure, and dynamics significantly influence plant health. Secreted microbial signaling molecules initiate and mediate symbiosis by binding to structurally compatible plant receptors. For example, lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs), produced by nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria and various fungi, are recognized by plant lysin motif receptor-like kinases (LysM-RLKs), which activate the common symbiotic pathway. Accurately predicting these molecular interactions could reveal complementary signatures underlying the initial stages of endosymbiosis. Despite the breakthrough in protein-ligand structure prediction with deep learning-based tools, such as AlphaFold3, the large size and highly flexible nature of signaling compounds like LCOs present major challenges for detailed structural characterization and binding-affinity prediction. Typical structure-/physics-based methods of ligand virtual screening are designed for small, drug-like molecules, often rely on high-resolution, experimentally determined structures of the protein receptors, and rarely achieve sufficient sampling to obtain converged thermodynamic quantities with large ligands. In this study, we developed a hybrid molecular dynamics/machine learning (MD/ML) approach capable of predicting binding affinity rankings with high accuracy in systems involving large, flexible ligands, despite limited experimental structural information. Using coarse initial structural models, the predictions using the MD/ML workflow achieved strong alignment with experimental trends, particularly in the top-affinity tier for four legume LysM-RLKs (LYR3) binding to LCOs and a chitooligosaccharide. Furthermore, the MD-based conformation selection protocol provided critical structural insights into substrate specificity and binding mechanisms. This study demonstrates a powerful method to screen for challenging cognate ligand-receptors and advance our understanding of the molecular basis of microbial colonization in plants.

Lipo-chitooligosaccharides↗
DOE OSTI2024

Proton-Responsive Ligands Promote CO 2 Capture and Accelerate Catalytic CO 2 /HCO 2 – Interconversion

The synthesis and investigation of [Rh(DHMPE) 2 ][BF 4 ] (1) are reported. 1 features proton-responsive 1,2-bis[(dihydroxymethyl)phosphino]ethane (DHMPE) ligands, which readily capture CO 2 from atmospheric sources upon deprotonation. The protonation state of the DHMPE ligand was observed to have a significant impact on the catalytic reactivity of 1 with CO 2 . Deprotonation and CO 2 binding to 1 result in a ∼10-fold rate enhancement in catalytic degenerate CO 2 reduction with formate, monitored by 12 C/ 13 C isotope exchange between H 12 CO 2 – and 13 CO 2 . Studies performed using a similar complex lacking the hydroxyl ligand functionality ([Rh(DEPE) 2 ][BF 4 ] where DEPE = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane) do not show the same rate enhancements when base is added. Based upon the cation-dependent activity of the catalyst, Eyring analysis, and cation sequestration experiments, CO 2 binding to 1 is proposed to facilitate preorganization of formate/CO 2 in the transition state via ligand-based encapsulation of Na + or K + cations to lower the activation energy and increase the observed catalytic rate. Incorporation of proton-responsive DHMPE ligands provides a unique approach to accelerate the kinetics of catalytic CO 2 reduction to formate.

Anions↗
DOE OSTI2024

Uranyl Naphthylsalophen and Pyrasal Complexes: Oxo Ligands Acting as Hydrogen Bond Acceptors in the Solid State

Uranium is most stable when it is exposed to oxygen or water in its +6 oxidation state as the uranyl (UO 2 2+ ) ion. This ion is subsequently particularly stable and very resistant to functionalization due to the inverse trans effect. Uranyl oxo ligands are typically not considered good hydrogen bond acceptors due to their weak Lewis basicity; however, the ligands bound in the equatorial plane greatly affect the strength of the oxo ligands’ hydrogen bonding. Here, in this work, new naphthylsalophen and pyrasal complexes of uranium were synthesized and crystallized for characterization in the solid state. The bond lengths and angles of the uranyl ion and the ligand conformation are compared. In the solid state, one of the pyrasal complexes showed a hydrogen bond directly from a water molecule to the uranyl oxo ligand, which resulted in an asymmetric lengthening of the U–O yl bonds from 1.789 to 1.862 Å and 1.784 to 1.844 Å.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗