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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Chain elongators, friends, and foes

Bioproduction of medium chain carboxylic acids has recently emerged as an alternative strategy to valorize low-value organic waste and side-streams. Key to this route is chain elongation, an anaerobic microbial process driven by ethanol, lactic acid, or carbohydrates. Additionally, because these technologies use wastes as feedstocks, mixed microbial communities are often considered as biocatalysts. Understanding and steering these microbiomes is key to optimize bioprocess performance. From a meta-analysis of publicly available sequencing data, we (i) explore how the current collection of isolated chain elongators compares to microbiome members, (ii) discuss the main beneficial and antagonistic interactions with community partners, and (iii) identify the key research gaps and needs to help understand chain elongation microbiomes, and design/steer these novel bioproduction processes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Algorithms and algebraic solutions of decay chain differential equations for stable and unstable nuclide fractionation

Radioactive decay processes, such as alpha decay, produce decay chains where the mass numbers of nuclides decrease as larger nuclides expel energetic particles to form smaller nuclides. Under these conditions, the coefficient matrix that describes the differential rate expressions for radioactive decay can be made lower triangular. With this special structure, formulating an algebraic solution to the decay chains can be done by first formulating the eigenvectors that make up the coefficient matrix, which can then be solved using forward substitution for a lower triangular matrix. This work details the derivation of algebraic solutions for decay chains of any number of stable and unstable nuclides with any number of branching based on this eigenvector analysis. A prototype computational code was developed to validate and compare this methodology against a number of other methods for solving similar systems. A two-phase sorting algorithm yielding the lower triangular matrix structure was established to apply the developed algebraic solutions for decay chains involving beta-emitting radionuclides transformed into daughter nuclides without change in their mass number. In conclusion, the methodologies produced in this work provide an efficient way to estimate nuclide fractions from natural decay processes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

An unusual mono-substituted Keggin anion-chain based 3D framework with 24-membered macrocycles as linker units

A new compound, [Cu{sup I}(H{sub 2}O)(Hbpp){sub 2}] Subset-Of {l_brace}[Cu{sup I}(bpp)]{sub 2}[PW{sub 11}Cu{sup II}O{sub 39}]{r_brace} (1) (bpp=1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, the unusual -A-B-A-B- array mono-substituted Keggin anion-chains and 24-membered (Cubpp){sub 2} cation-macrocycles are linked together to form a (2, 4) connected 3D framework with channels of ca. 9.784 Multiplication-Sign 7.771 A{sup 2} along two directions, in which the [Cu(H{sub 2}O)(Hbpp){sub 2}] coordination fragments as guest components are trapped. The photocatalytic experiments of compound 1 were performed, which show a good catalytic activity of compound 1 for photodegradation of RhB. Furthermore, the IR, TGA and electrochemical properties of compound 1 were investigated. - Graphical abstract: An unusual example of mono-substituted Keggin anion-chain based hybrid compound that possesses a 3D structure has been synthesized, which offers a feasible route for synthesis of such compounds. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The first example of -A-B-A-B- array mono-substituted Keggin chain is observed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An unusual three dimensional structure based mono-substituted Keggin anion-chains. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The photocatalysis and electrochemical properties of the title compound were studied.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Orientational order of [VOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} and [NbOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} polar units in chains

The generation of polarity in the solid state necessitates ordered, polar basic-building units (BBUs). This paper examines the evolution of ordered BBUs of 1D chains constructed of early transition metals (ETMs) and late transition metals. The cause of polar distortion orientation is illustrated with subtle alterations in the heterotypic structures of one previously reported compound (CuNbOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}(pyz){sub 3}) and three new hybrid materials, presented here: CuNbOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}(pyz){sub 2} (1), CuVOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}(pyz){sub 2} (2) and CuVOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}(pyz){sub 3} (3) (pyz=pyrazine). In contrast to the [NbOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} octahedra of CuNbOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}(pyz){sub 3} and compound (1) that have oxide ligands within the 1D BBUs, the [VOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} octahedra of compounds (2) and (3) contain disordered oxide ligands perpendicular to the chains. To create polar 1D BBUs in the solid state, one must have an understanding of how to direct distortions. We demonstrate that the choice of specific polar BBUs within a distinct environment is necessary for orientational order of the ETM anions. - Graphical abstract: The orientational order of [VOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} and [NbOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} polar anions in chains and its influence on noncentrosymmetry are discussed on the basis of the three new hybrid compounds composed of linear chains: (CuVOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}(pyz){sub 2}, CuNbOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4}(pyz){sub 2} and CuVOF{sub 5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}(pyz){sub 3}). Orientational order of the distortion of the early transition metal can be achieved by subtle modifications of the anisotropy in the anionic environment and a proper choice of the polar anion. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three new hybrid compounds were characterized by single-crystal XRD. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer [VOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} and [NbOF{sub 5}]{sup 2-} anions differ in the nucleophilicities of the ligands. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The order of the anion is controlled by increasing the anisotropy of its environment.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis, crystal structure, and electrical and magnetic properties of BaMo{sub 6}Te{sub 6}: A novel reduced molybdenum telluride containing infinite chains of trans-face shared Mo{sub 6} octahedra

Powder samples and single crystals of the new ternary compound BaMo{sub 6}Te{sub 6} were obtained by solid state reaction. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. BaMo{sub 6}Te{sub 6} crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6{sub 3}/m (No. 176) with unit-cell parameters a=9.3941(2) Å, c=4.5848(1) Å and Z=1. Full-matrix least-squares refinement on F{sup 2} using 452 independent reflections for 17 refinable parameters resulted in R1=0.0208 and wR2=0.0539. The structure consists of one-dimensional infinite chains of trans-face shared Mo{sub 6} octahedra capped by Se atoms. These chains that are running along the c axis are separated from each other by nine-coordinate Ba atoms. Resistivity measurements on a single crystal indicated that the BaMo{sub 6}Te{sub 6} compound is metallic down to 160 K and semiconductor below. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that BaMo{sub 6}Te{sub 6} is weakly diamagnetic with no anomaly at the metal–semiconductor transition. - Graphical abstract: We present here the synthesis, the crystal structure, and the electrical and magnetic properties of the new compound BaMo{sub 6}Te{sub 6} containing infinite chains of trans-face shared Mo{sub 6} octahedra. - Highlights: • BaMo{sub 6}Te{sub 6} contains infinite chains of trans-face-sharing Mo{sub 6} octahedra |Mo{sub 6/2}|{sub ∞}{sup 1}. • Synthesis by solid state reaction. • Single-crystal X-ray study. • Continuous metal–nonmetal transition. • Anderson localization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a novel chain coordination polymer constructed by tetrafunctional phosphonate anions and cobalt ions

A novel cobalt phosphonate, [Co(HL)(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}]{sub n} (1) (L=N(CH{sub 2}PO{sub 3}H){sub 3}{sup 3−}) has been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction at 150 °C and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex 1 features a 1D chain structure with double-channel built from CoO{sub 6} octahedra bridged together by the phosphonate groups. Each cobalt ion is octahedrally coordinated by three phosphonate oxygen atoms and three water molecules. The coordinated water molecules can form the hydrogen bonds with the phosphonate oxygen atoms to link the 1D chains, building a 2D layered structure, further resulting in a 3D network. The luminescence spectrum indicates an emission maximum at 435 nm. The magnetic susceptibility curve exhibits a dominant antiferromagnetic behavior with a weakly ferromagnetic component at low temperatures. - Graphical abstract: The connectivity between cobalt ions and the ligands results in a chain structure with a 1D double-channel structure, which is constructed by A-type subrings and B-type subrings. - Highlights: • The tetrafunctional phosphonate ligand was used as the ligand. • A novel chain structure can be formed by A-type rings and B-type rings. • Two types of rings can form a 1D double-channel structure, along the c-axis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Synthesis and structures of ligand-dominated one-dimensional silver(I)–bis(pyridylmethyl)amine coordination chains

Reactants slow diffusion of Ag(I) salts with 3,4′-bis(pyridylmethyl)amine (3,4′-bpma), an unsymmetric bis-pyridyl ligand equipped with a non-innocent amine backbone, afforded polymeric coordination adducts 1–5 having a general formula ([Ag(3,4′-bpma)(solv)]X){sub n} (solv = H{sub 2}O, CH{sub 3}OH, and none; X= CF{sub 3}CO{sub 2}{sup –}, BF{sub 4}{sup –}, ClO{sub 4}{sup –}, CF{sub 3}SO{sub 3}{sup –}, and SbF{sub 6}{sup –}). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses reveal that colorless crystals of Ag(I) coordination polymers (CPs) 1–5 have very similar one-dimensional (1D) non-flat chain structures, which are preferentially depicted as a “zipper-like” rather than a ladder-like or a double-stranded chain topologies. The 3,4′-bpma ligand in these Ag(I) CPs displays a μ{sub 3}-bridging mode with a gauche–trans (1,4, and 5) and a trans–trans (2 and 3) conformations. Noteworthy, anions do not show strong influence on structural modulation of Ag(I) CPs in the solid state, but really affect CP conformations and packing fashions, indicative of a ligand-dominated assembly process for such a Ag(I)–3,4′-bpma system. Thermal stabilities and solid-state photoluminescence properties of crystalline materials 1–5 were investigated. - Graphical abstract: This work has addressed five ligand-dominated Ag(I)–3,4′-bpma polymeric adducts, which show similar one-dimensional non-flat chain structures depicting a “zipper-like” topology rather than a ladder-like or a double-stranded chain structures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

A novel cryogenic magnetic refrigerant metal-organic framework based on 1D gadolinium(III) chain

A metal-organic framework (MOF) based on gadolinium ion (Gd{sup 3+}) and tricarboxylate ligand, [Gd(BTPCA)(H{sub 2}O)]·2DMF·3H{sub 2}O (Gd-BTPCA) (H{sub 3}BTPCA =1,1′,1′-(benzene-1,3,5-triyl)tripiperidine-4-carboxylic acid; DMF=dimethylformamide), was synthesized and structurally characterized. The adjacent Gd{sup 3+} ions are intraconnected by the carboxylate groups of the BTPCA{sup 3-} ligands to form a 1D Gd{sup 3+} ion chain. The 1D Gd{sup 3+} ion chains are interconnected by the BTPCA{sup 3-} ligands, giving rise to a 3D framework with 1D open channel. The magnetic studies indicate that Gd-BTPCA exhibits weak ferromagnetic interactions, and acts as a cryogenic magnetic refrigerant having the magnetic entropy change (−ΔS{sub m}) of 20.40 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} for ΔH =7 T at 3 K. - Graphical abstract: A 1D gadolinium(III) chains-based metal-organic framework performed ferromagnetic coupling on the magnetic property. Magnetic investigation reveals that Gd-BTPCA exhibits the entropy change (−ΔS{sub m}) of 20.40 J kg{sup −1} K{sup −1} for ΔH =7 T at 3 K. - Highlights: • The MOF based on gadolinium ion and tricarboxylate ligand was synthesized. • This MOF is connected with 1D Gd{sup 3+} ions chain and the carboxylate groups of BTPCA{sup 3-} ligands. • The magnetic studies indicate that the MOF exhibits the weak ferromagnetic interactions. • Magnetic investigation reveals that the MOF exhibits the high entropy change.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

The Case for Recycling: Overview and Challenges in the Material Supply Chain for Automotive Li-Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries (LIB) continue to gain market share in response to the increasing demand for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage. The increased demand for LIB has highlighted potential problems in the supply chain of raw materials needed for their manufacture. Some critical metals used in LIB, namely lithium, cobalt, and graphite are scarce, are not currently mined in large quantities, or are mined in only a few countries whose trade policies could limit availability and impact prices. The environmental and social impacts of mining these materials have also drawn attention as production ramps up to meet the increased demand. Closed-loop systems with recycling at the end-of-life provide a pathway to lower environmental impacts and a source of high value materials that can be used in producing new batteries. Because environmental regulations concerning end-of-life batteries are not fully developed or implemented, most of these batteries currently end up in the landfills, with a very small number of spent batteries sent to the existing recycling facilities. However, with proactive regulations, an increasing supply of spent batteries, and innovations in recycling technologies, end-of-life batteries could supply a significant fraction of the materials needed for manufacturing of new LIB. This paper reviews the current state of the LIB manufacturing supply chain, addresses some issues associated with battery end-of-life, and sheds light on the importance of LIB recycling from the environmental and value chain perspectives. We also discuss the expected benefits of recycling on the global LIB supply chain.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Global reverse supply chain design for solid waste recycling under uncertainties and carbon emission constraint

Highlights: • We propose a robust model for global reverse supply chain design. • The uncertain waste collection rate, currency exchange rate, and the maritime cost are incorporated. • The total emission and cost are affected by both the uncertainties and the global carbon cap. • The waste products flows between countries vary with the levels of uncertainties and the global carbon cap. • There is an opportunity to reduce the maritime emission. - Abstract: The emergence of concerns over environmental protection, resource conservation as well as the development of logistics operations and manufacturing technology has led several countries to implement formal collection and recycling systems of solid waste. Such recycling system has the benefits of reducing environmental pollution, boosting the economy by creating new jobs, and generating income from trading the recyclable materials. This leads to the formation of a global reverse supply chain (GRSC) of solid waste. In this paper, we investigate the design of such a GRSC with a special emphasis on three aspects; (1) uncertainty of waste collection levels, (2) associated carbon emissions, and (3) challenges posed by the supply chain’s global aspect, particularly the maritime transportation costs and currency exchange rates. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to integrate the three above-mentioned important aspects in the design of a GRSC. We have used mixed integer-linear programming method along with robust optimization to develop the model which is validated using a sample case study of e-waste management. Our results show that using a robust model by taking the complex interactions characterizing global reverse supply chain networks into account, we can create a better GRSC. The effect of uncertainties and carbon constraints on decisions to reduce costs and emissions are also shown.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Improved properties of recycled polypropylene by introducing the long chain branched structure through reactive extrusion

Highlights: • A novel approach is applied to modify recycled PP. • Long chain branched structure is introduced onto recycled PP. • The structural change of recycled PP is determined by FTIR, DSC and rheology. • The impact strength of recycled PP is obviously improved. • Inorganic fillers have no effect on the modification of recycled PP. - Abstract: An approach originated from preparing long chain branched polypropylene (PP) was applied to modify the properties of recycled PP that involved reactive extrusion to introduce a branched chain structure onto recycled PP under the assistance of chemical reaction between maleic anhydride (MAH) monomer and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) grafts. The results from Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the reaction took place during melt mixing, and the intensity of ester increased with increasing amount of MAH. Several rheological plots including complex viscosity, storage modulus, loss modulus, loss tangent and Cole-Cole plot were used to investigate the rheological properties of recycled PP and modified PP with MAH, which indicated an additional longer relaxation time that was not shown in recycled PP. The effects of branched structure on melting and crystallization behaviors were also investigated, demonstrating the branched chains acted as nucleating agent. Moreover, the branched structure of modified samples gave rise to enhance mechanical properties, especially, the higher impact strength compared with recycled PP.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

An extracellular matrix (ECM) model at high malignant colorectal tumor increases chondroitin sulfate chains to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and chemoresistance acquisition

Highlights: • Effect of ECM dynamics in tumor progression on EMT and chemoresistance were assessed. • 5-FU increased EMT genes and ABCB1 expression via TGF-β signaling. • High malignant tumor ECM promoted EMT and ABCB1 expression via TGF-β signaling. • High malignant tumor ECM possessed chondroitin sulfate chains at high level. • Increased chondroitin sulfate promoted EMT genes and ABCB1 expression. Chemoresistance is one of the major barriers for tumor chemotherapy. It is clinically known that chemoresistance increases during tumor progression. Additionally, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is also remodeled during tumor progression. However, it remains unclear how ECM remodeling contributes to chemoresistance acquisition. Recently, it has been reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to chemoresistance acquisition. Here, how ECM remodeling contributes to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance acquisition was investigated from the viewpoints of EMT using in vitro ECM models mimicking native ECM in colorectal tumor tissue at three different malignant levels. 5-FU partially induced EMT and increased ABCB1 in colorectal HT-29 cells via TGF-β signaling (an invasive tumor cell model). When HT-29 cells were cultured on an ECM model (high malignant matrices) mimicking native ECM in highly malignant tumor tissues, the cells facilitated TGF-β-induced EMT and increased ABCB1 upregulation compared with that of other ECM models mimicking the low malignant level and normal tissues. High malignant matrices contained more chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains than those of other ECM models. Finally, CS chain-reduced high malignant matrices could not facilitate ABCB1 upregulation and TGF-β-induced EMT. These results demonstrated that ECM remodeling during tumor progression increased CS chains to facilitate EMT and ABCB1 upregulation, contributing to chemoresistance acquisition.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

All-acrylic multigraft copolymers: Effect of side chain molecular weight and volume fraction on mechanical behavior

We present in this paper the synthesis of poly(n-butyl acrylate)-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PnBA-g-PMMA) multigraft copolymers via a grafting-through (macromonomer) approach. The synthesis was performed using two controlled polymerization techniques. The PMMA macromonomer was obtained by high-vacuum anionic polymerization followed by the copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate and PMMA macromonomer using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to yield the desired all-acrylic multigraft structures. The PnBA-g-PMMA multigraft structures exhibit randomly spaced branch points with various PMMA contents, ranging from 15 to 40 vol %, allowing an investigation into how physical properties vary with differences in the number of branch points and molecular weight of grafted side chains. The determination of molecular weight and polydispersity indices of both the PMMA macromonomer and the graft copolymers was carried out using size exclusion chromatography with triple detection, and the structural characteristics of both the macromonomer and PnBA-g-PMMA graft materials were characterized by 1 H and 13 C NMR. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed for monitoring the macromonomer synthesis. Thermal characteristics of the materials were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical performance of the graft materials was characterized by rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis, revealing that samples with PMMA content of 25–40 vol % exhibit superior elastomeric properties as compared to materials containing short PMMA side chains or <25 vol % PMMA. In conclusion, atomic force microscopy showed a varying degree of microphase separation between the glassy and rubbery components that is strongly dependent on PMMA side chain molecular weight.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Correlated Response of Protein Side-Chain Fluctuations and Conformational Entropy to Ligand Binding

The heterogeneous fast side-chain dynamics of proteins plays crucial roles in molecular recognition and binding. Site-specific NMR experiments quantify these motions by measuring the model-free order parameter (O axis 2 ) on a scale of 0 (most flexible) to 1 (least flexible) for each methyl-containing residue of proteins. In this work, we have examined ligand-induced variations in the fast side-chain dynamics and conformational entropy of calmodulin (CaM) using five different CaM–peptide complexes. O axis 2 of CaM in the ligand-free (O axis,U 2 ) and ligand-bound (O axis,B 2 ) states are calculated from molecular dynamics trajectories and conformational energy surfaces obtained using the adaptive biasing force (ABF) method. ΔO axis 2 = O axis,B 2 – O axis,U 2 follows a Gaussian-like unimodal distribution whose second moment is a potential indicator of the binding affinity of these complexes. The probability for the binding-induced O axis,U 2 → O axis,B 2 transition decreases with increasing magnitude of ΔO axis 2 , indicating that large flexibility changes are improbable for side chains of CaM after ligand binding. A linear correlation established between ΔOaxis2 and the conformational entropy change of the protein makes possible the determination of the conformational entropy of binding of protein–ligand complexes. The results not only underscore the functional importance of fast side-chain fluctuations but also highlight key motional and thermodynamic correlates of protein–ligand binding.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Structural and Rotational Dynamics of Carbon Dioxide in 1-Alkyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Ionic Liquids: The Effect of Chain Length

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed as possible carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) carbon capture media, and so it is useful to understand the dynamics of both the dissolved gas and its IL environment as well as how altering the IL affects these dynamics. With increasing alkyl chain length, it is well established that ILs obtain a mesoscopic structural feature assigned to polarapolar segregation, and the change in structure with chain length affects dynamics. In this work, the dynamics of CO 2 in a series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids (ILs), where alkyl is ethyl, butyl, hexyl, or decyl, were investigated using ultrafast infrared spectroscopy by measuring the reorientation and spectral diffusion of carbon dioxide in the ILs. It was found that reorientation of the carbon dioxide occurs on 3 timescales, which correspond to 2 different timescales of restricted wobbling-in-a-cone motions and a long time complete diffusive reorientation. The complete reorientation slows with increasing chain length but less than the increases in viscosity of the bulk liquids. Spectral diffusion, measured with 2D IR spectroscopy, is caused by a combination of the liquids’ structural fluctuations and reorientation of the CO 2 . The data were analyzed using recent theory that takes into account both contributions to spectral diffusion and extracts the structural spectral diffusion. Different components of the structural fluctuations have distinct dependences on the alkyl chain length. All of the dynamics are fast compared to the complete orientational randomization of the bulk ILs, as measured with optical heterodyne detected optical Kerr effect measurements. The results indicate a hierarchy of constraint releases in the liquids that give rise to increasingly slower dynamics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electroanalytical Investigation of the Electrode–Electrolyte Interface of Quaternary Ammonium Ionic Liquids: Impact of Alkyl Chain Length and Ether Functionality

The influence of ionic associations and potential-dependent interactions on the electrode–electrolyte interfacial structure of ionic liquids (ILs) is studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for a variety of asymmetric quaternary ammonium ILs. Specifically, the impact of cation alkyl chain length (C = 4, 8 and 16) and ether functionality on the interfacial structuring of ILs at the glassy carbon electrode surface is examined. Ammonium cations with alkyl chain length of 8 and 16 carbons are found to stabilize the formation of the bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide, [TFSI], anion dense Stern layer at positive electrode potentials leading to larger capacitances. The longer alkyl chain of the cation is believed to screen the ion–ion repulsion among the anions by intruding into the interfacial anion layer. SERS suggests the presence of carbon-containing rings at the interface at both positive and negative electrode potentials, which can be explained by the buckling of the long alkyl chains. Inclusion of an ether functionality allowed for more symmetry in the camel-shaped potential-dependent differential capacitance curves, suggesting similar excess ion density at both positive and negative potentials. This work contributes to understanding and predicting the interfacial electrode capacitance in ILs by understanding the balance of ionic interactions and the associated repulsions at electrode–electrolyte interfaces that are pertinent to electrochemical energy storage, electrocatalysis, and electrochemical sensors.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Diffusional Response of Layer-by-Layer Assembled Polyelectrolyte Chains to Salt Annealing

Here, we report on the effect of salt on diffusion of polyelectrolyte (PE) chains within electrostatically assembled polyelectrolyte multilayers. Layer-by-layer (LbL) films were assembled using poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) as a polyanion and quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) as a polycation. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and neutron reflectometry were used to monitor the center-of-mass diffusion of PMAA chains in directions parallel and perpendicular to the substrate (D ∥ and D ⊥ , respectively). Film intermixing and polymer chain diffusion in the direction perpendicular to the substrate exhibit an unusual dependence on the PMAA molecular weight, with dramatically stronger diffusional response to salt annealing for the films formed by PMAA with the lowest molecular weight of 7 kDa. Finally, films assembled with this lowest molecular weight PMAA reveal that both diffusion coefficients of PMAA chains (D ∥ and D ⊥ ) depend exponentially on the concentration of salt in the annealing solutions, with much faster diffusion in the direction parallel to the substrate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Untangleing the effects of chain rigidity on the structure and dynamics of strongly adsorbed polymer melts

Here, we present a detailed analysis of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of semiflexible polymer melts in contact with a strongly adsorbing substrate. We have characterized the segments in the interfacial layer by counting the number of trains, loops, tails and unadsorbed segments. For more rigid chains, a tail and an adsorbed segment (a train) dominate while loops are more prevalent in more flexible chains. The tails exhibit a non-uniformly stretched conformation akin to the polydispersed pseudobrush envisioned by Guiselin. To probe the dynamics of the segments we computed the layer z-resolved intermediate coherent collective dynamics structure factor, S(q, t, z), mean-square displacement of segments, and the 2nd Legendre polynomial of the time-autocorrelation of unit bond vectors, 2 [n i (t,z)•n i (0,z)]>. Our results show that segmental dynamics is slower for stiffer chains and there is a strong correlation between the structure and dynamics in the interfacial layer. There is no glassy layer, and the slowing down in dynamics of stiffer chains in the adsorbed region can be attributed to the densification and the more persistent layering of segments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗