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440 records · Page 25

Gate-tunable modulation of the optical properties of multilayer graphene by the reversible intercalation of ionic liquid anions

We demonstrate a substantial modulation of the optical properties of multilayer graphene (~100 layers) using a simple device consisting of a multilayer graphene/polymer electrolyte membrane/gold film stack. Applying a voltage of 3–4 V drives the intercalation of anion [TFSI] - [ion liquid diethylmethyl(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [DEME][TFSI]] resulting in the reversible modulation of the properties of this optically dense material. Upon intercalation, we observe an abrupt shift of 35 cm -1 in the G band Raman mode, an abrupt increase in FTIR reflectance over the wavelength range from 1.67 to 5 $μ$m (2000–6000 cm -1 ), and an abrupt increase in luminescent background observed in the Raman spectra of graphene. Furthermore, all of these abrupt changes in the optical properties of this material arise from the intercalation of the TFSI - ion and the associated change in the free carrier density (Δ$n$ = 10 20 cm -3 ). Suppression of the 2D band Raman mode observed around 3 V corresponds to Pauli blocking of the double resonance Raman process and indicates a modulation of the Fermi energy of Δ$E$ F = 1.1 eV.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Spin-dependent charge transmission through chiral 2T3N self-assembled monolayer on Au

In this study, a gold surface is functionalized by chemisorption of the enantiopure N,N'-bis-[2,2';5',2"]tert-thiophene-5-yl methylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine (2T3N), a chiral oligothiophene derivative, via overnight incubation in a 2T3N ethanol solution. The Au|2T3N interface is characterized by x-ray photoelectron circular dichroism and comparing x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and electro-desorption results. Charge transmission at the Au|2T3N| solution interface is characterized by recording the cyclic voltammetry of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) reversible redox couple, finding a charge transfer rate constant, k°, variation from 1 × 10 -1 to 3.3 × 10 -2 cm s -1 , when comparing the bare Au and the Au|2T3N interfaces, respectively. The “anomalous” high value of k° found for the chiral Au|2T3N interface can be rationalized on the basis of the chiral-induced spin selectivity effect, as further proved by magnetic–conductive atomic force microscopy measurements at room temperature. A spin polarization of about 30% is found.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Crystal structure of vancomycin bound to the resistance determinant D -alanine- D -serine

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that for decades has been a mainstay of treatment for persistent bacterial infections. However, the spread of antibiotic resistance threatens its continued utility. In particular, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have become a pressing clinical challenge. Vancomycin acts by binding and sequestering the intermediate Lipid II in cell-wall biosynthesis, specifically recognizing a D-alanine-D-alanine dipeptide motif within the Lipid II molecule. VRE achieve resistance by remodeling this motif to either D-alanine-D-lactate or D-alanine-D-serine; the former substitution essentially abolishes recognition by vancomycin of Lipid II, whereas the latter reduces the affinity of the antibiotic by roughly one order of magnitude. The complex of vancomycin bound to D-alanine-D-serine has been crystallized, and its 1.20 Å X-ray crystal structure is presented here. This structure reveals that the D-alanine-D-serine ligand is bound in essentially the same position and same pose as the native D-alanine-D-alanine ligand. The serine-containing ligand appears to be slightly too large to be comfortably accommodated in this way, suggesting one possible contribution to the reduced binding affinity. In addition, two flexible hydroxyl groups – one from the serine side chain of the ligand, and the other from a glucose sugar on the antibiotic – are locked into single conformations in the complex, which is likely to contribute an unfavorable entropic component to the recognition of the serine-containing ligand.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermodynamics and kinetics of H adsorption and intercalation for graphene on 6 H -SiC(0001) from first-principles calculations

Previous experimental observations for H intercalation under graphene on SiC surfaces motivate the clarification of configuration stabilities and kinetic processes related to intercalation. From first-principles density-functional-theory calculations, we analyze H adsorption and intercalation for graphene on a 6H-SiC(0001) surface, where the system includes two single-atom-thick graphene layers: the top-layer graphene (TLG) and the underling buffer-layer graphene (BLG) above the terminal Si layer. Our chemical potential analysis shows that in the low-H coverage regime (described by a single H atom within a sufficiently large supercell), intercalation into the gallery between TLG and BLG or into the gallery underneath BLG is more favorable thermodynamically than adsorption on top of TLG. However, intercalation into the gallery between TLG and BLG is most favorable. We obtain energy barriers of about 1.3 and 2.3 eV for a H atom diffusing on and under TLG, respectively. From an additional analysis of the energy landscape in the vicinity of a step on the TLG, we assess how readily one guest H atom on the TLG terrace can directly penetrate the TLG into the gallery between TLG and BLG versus crossing a TLG step to access the gallery. Finally, we also perform density functional theory calculations for higher H coverages revealing a shift in favorability to intercalation of H underneath BLG and characterizing the variation with H coverage in interlayer spacings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface deposition of nanometer scale carbon structures on Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ using a low-cost scanning electron microscope

In this work, we investigate optically active nanostructures on Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ (BSCCO). The nanostructures are constructed from carbon nanocrystals formed using the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope to locally decompose residual hydrocarbons at the BSCCO surface. Atomic force microscopy is used to characterize the dimensions of these structures as a function of beam exposure time. This technique has been used to induce localized intercalation to form carbon nanoparticles up to tens of nanometers into a variety of 2D materials. Cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy in BSCCO shows the presence of these carbon deposits on the surface, but there is no evidence they penetrate into the BSCCO substrate. Therefore, this technique is not suitable for localized intercalation in BSCCO, and it does have promise as a cost-effective approach to pattern nanometer scale etch stops.

2D materials↗

Functional materials and devices by self-assembly

The field of self-assembly has moved far beyond early work, where the focus was primarily the resultant beautiful two- and three-dimensional structures, to a focus on forming materials and devices with important properties either otherwise not available, or only available at great cost. Over the last few years, materials with unprecedented electronic, photonic, energy-storage, and chemical separation functionalities were created with self-assembly, while at the same time, the ability to form even more complex structures in two and three dimensions has only continued to advance. Self-assembly crosscuts all areas of materials. Functional structures have now been realized in polymer, ceramic, metallic, and semiconducting systems, as well as composites containing multiple classes of materials. Finally, as the field of self-assembly continues to advance, the number of highly functional systems will only continue to grow and make increasingly greater impacts in both the consumer and industrial space.

Materials for Devices↗

Final-Technical Report for DE-FG02-98ER14888

This report describes the history and accomplishments of DE-FG02-98ER14888. The project focuses on synthesis and characterization of self-assembled ionophores for remediation and separation of various cations and anions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Bioinspired Design of Dissipative Self-Assembly of Active Materials (Final Technical Report)

The major objective of this DOE-funded research program was to establish general, experimentally validated design principles for dissipative, out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of synthetic active materials. In living systems, structures such as actin filaments and microtubules are maintained far from thermodynamic equilibrium through continuous energy consumption. This persistent nonequilibrium operation enables functions including adaptability, self-healing, directed motion, and force generation—properties that are largely absent in traditional equilibrium soft materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗