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At least 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Metal–Oxo Cluster Formation Using Ammonium and Sulfate to Differentiate M IV (Th, U, Ce) Chemistries

Isolating isostructural compounds of tetravalent metals M IV (Zr, Hf, Ce, Th, U, Pu, Np) improves our understanding of metal hydrolysis and coordination behavior across the periodic table. These metals form polynuclear clusters typified by the hexamer [M IV 6 O 4 (OH) 4 ] 12+ . Exploiting the ammonium M IV -sulfate (Ce IV , Th IV , and U IV ) phase space targeting rapid crystallization, we isolate the common hexamer [M IV 6 (OH) 4 (O) 4 ] 12+ but with different numbers of capping sulfates and water molecules for Ce IV , Th IV , and U IV . Furthermore, these phases allowed a direct comparison of bonding trends across the series. Upon cocrystallization with the hexamers, higher complex structures can be identified. Thorium features assemblies with monomer-linked hexamer chains. Uranium features assemblies with sulfate-bridged hexamers and the supramolecular assembly of 14 hexamers into the U 84 , [U 6 (OH) 4 (O) 4 ) 14 (SO 4 ) 120 (H 2 O) 42 ] 72– . Last, cerium showcases the isolation from monomers to the Ce 62 , [Ce 62 (OH) 30 (O) 58 (SO 4 ) 71 (H 2 O) 33.25 ] 41– . Furthermore, small-angle X-ray scattering (room temperature) shows ammonium-induced cluster assembly for Ce IV but minimal reactivity for U IV and Th IV . In this study, because the phases crystallized at elevated temperature demonstrates favorable cluster assembly, these solution phase results were surprising and suggest some other characteristics such as Ce’s facile redox behavior, contributes to its solution-phase speciation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Periodic Trends within Actinyl(VI) Nitrates and Their Structures, Vibrational Spectra, and Electronic Properties

In this work, a series of actinyl(VI) nitrate salts of the form MAnO 2 (NO 3 ) 3 , where M = NH 4 + K + , Rb + , Cs + , and Me 4 N + and AnO 2 2+ = U, Np, Pu, and AnO 2 (NO 3 ) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ·H 2 O, and the uranyl tetranitrates M 2 UO 2 (NO 3 ) 4 have been synthesized from aqueous solution and their structures determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Together, these complexes represent an isostructural series of actinide complexes among the salts crystallized with the same charge-compensating cation and have been studied using vibrational spectroscopy including Raman and Fourier-transform infrared. Periodic trends in both the structural properties of these complexes and their vibrational spectra are presented and discussed, in particular the invariant nature of the O≡An≡O asymmetric stretching frequencies observed across the actinyl series. Electronic structure calculations were performed at a variety of levels of theory to aid in the interpretation of the vibrational data and to correlate trends in the data with the underlying electronic properties of these molecules.

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

Probing the Framework Metal Dependent Properties of Actinide-Centered Polyoxoalkoxide Sandwich-Type Complexes

Development of a simple and scalable synthesis of (TBA) 3 [W 5 O 18 MoNO] provides for the formation of the mixed-metal lacunary polyoxoalkoxide, (TBA) 2 [W 4 O 13 (OMe) 4 MoNO][Na(MeOH)]. This complex was used to synthesize a series of polyoxoalkoxide sandwich-type complexes with the general formula (TBA) 2 [M{W 4 O 13 (OMe) 4 MoNO} 2 ], where M = Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Th(IV), U(IV), and Np(IV). Compared to the analogous all-molybdenum complexes, the series have drastically different optical and redox properties. The results indicate that framework metal substitution acts as a tool for “orbital engineering”, with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealing that the major consequence of incorporation of tungsten into the complexes is localization of LUMO and LUMO+1 on the molybdenum centers remaining in the molecule. The change in the distribution of the frontier orbitals translates to discrepancies in the electronic properties of the series. Given the rarity of polyoxometalate complexes featuring a U(V) ion, one electron oxidation of (TBA) 2 [U(IV){W 4 O 13 (OMe) 4 MoNO} 2 ] was pursued. Isolation of the corresponding U(V) centered sandwich-type complex is reported, only the second example of U(V)-polyoxometalate complex described to date.

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

Homoleptic An(IV) Dimethyl Sulfoxide Complexes of Th–Pu Enable Insight into Solution Speciation and Redox

A family of 8- and 9- coordinate homoleptic dimethyl sulfoxide An(IV) complexes is used to evaluate the solvation properties of tetravalent actinide ions in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vs aqueous media. These compounds are prepared from aqueous mixtures of DMSO and yield crystalline solids, whose solid-state electronic absorption spectra are compared to solution phase spectra, providing insight into the solution speciation. The thermodynamics of the equilibria between the 8- and 9-coordinate compounds were determined experimentally and computationally, showing a trend that correlates with ionic radius. Cyclic voltammetry data for the +IV/+III couples of Np and Pu in the DMSO electrolyte indicate that the +IV ions are significantly stabilized compared to aqueous media due to the more donating nature of DMSO compared to water. As a result, computational studies of these systems indicate that further reactivity may take place upon reduction to the +III oxidation state.

Actinides↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Computational Assessment of Actinide Dioxide Cations AnO 2 2+ for An = U to Lr: The Limited Stability Range of the Hexavalent Actinyl Moiety, [O=An=O] 2+

The isolated gas-phase actinide dioxide dications, AnO 2 2+ , were evaluated by DFT and coupled cluster CCSD(T) calculations for 12 actinides, An = U–Lr. CASSCF calculations were used to define the orbitals for the CCSD(T) calculations. The characteristic linear [O$=$An$=$O] 2+ hexavalent actinyl(VI) was found to be the lowest energy structure for An = U, Np, and Pu, which also form stable actinyl(VI) species in solution and possibly for Am when spin–orbit effects are included. For Am, there is a divalent [An II (O 2 )] 2+ structure where the dioxygen is an end-on physisorbed η 1 - 3 O 2 2 kcal/mol above the actinyl when spin–orbit effects are included which lower the energy of the actinyl structure. For An = Cm, Bk, and Lr, the lowest energy structure is trivalent [An III (O 2 – )] 2+ where the dioxygen is a side-on superoxide, η 2 -O 2 – . For Cm, the actinyl is close in energy to the ground state when spin–orbit effects are included. For An = Cf, Es, Fm, Md, and No, the lowest energy structure is divalent [An II (O 2 )] 2+ where the dioxygen is an end-on physisorbed η 1 - 3 O 2 . The relative energies suggest that curyl(VI) and berkelyl(VI), like well-known americyl(VI), might be stabilized by coordinating ligands in condensed phases. The results further indicate that for californyl and beyond, the actinyl(VI) moieties will probably be elusive even using strong donor ligands. The prevalence of low oxidation states (OSs) An(II) and An(III) for transplutonium actinides reflects stabilization of the 5f orbitals and validates established trends, including the remarkably high stability of divalent No. Finally, bond distances and other parameters suggest maximum bond covalency around plutonyl(VI), with a particularly substantial decrease in bond strength between americyl(VI) and curyl(VI).

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

Theory of Plasmonic Hot-Carrier Generation and Relaxation

Hot-carrier (HC) generation from (localized) surface plasmon decay has recently attracted much attention due to its promising applications in physical, chemical, materials, and energy science. However, the detailed mechanisms of plasmonic HC generation, relaxation, and trapping are less studied. In this work, we developed and applied a quantum-mechanical model and coupled master equation method to study the generation of HCs from plasmon decay and their following relaxation processes with different mechanisms treated on equal footing. First, a quantum-mechanical model for HC generation is developed. Its connection to existing semiclassical models and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is discussed. Second, the relaxation and lifetimes of HCs are investigated in the presence of electron–electron and electron–phonon interactions. A GW-like approximation is introduced to account for the electron–electron scattering. The numerical simulations on the Jellium nanoparticles with a size up to 1.6 nm demonstrate the electron–electron scattering and electron–phonon scattering dominate different time scale in the relaxation dynamics. We also generalize the model to study the extraction of HCs to attached molecules. The quantum yield of extracting HCs for other applications is found to be size-dependent. In general, the smaller size of NP improves the quantum yield, which is in agreement with recent experimental measurements. Even though we demonstrate this newly developed theoretical formalism with Jellium model, the theory applies to any other atomistic models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multiconfiguration Pair-Density Functional Theory for Vertical Excitation Energies in Actinide Molecules

Modeling actinides with electronic structure theories is challenging because these systems present a strong ligand field and metal–ligand covalency. Here, we systematically investigate the effectiveness of pair-density functional theory (PDFT) for the calculation of vertical excitation energies in An(III), [An III Cl 6 ] 3– , and [An VI O 2 ] 2+ (An = U, Np, Pu, and Am). We compare the performance of PDFT, hybrid PDFT, and multistate PDFT with traditional active-space methods followed by perturbation theory, like multistate CASPT2, and with experimental data. Overall, multistate PDFT gives quantitative agreement with multistate CASPT2 at a significantly reduced computational cost.

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

Diabatic Valence-Hole Concept

A global diabatization scheme, based on the “valence-hole” concept, has been previously applied to model webs of avoided crossings that exist in four electronic-state symmetry manifolds of C 2 ( 1 Π g , 3 Π g , 1 Σ u + , and 3 Σ u + ). Here, this model is extended to the electronically excited states of four more molecules: CN ( 2 Σ + ), N 2 ( 3 Π u ), SiC ( 3 Π), and Si 2 ( 3 Π g ). Many strangenesses in the spectroscopic observations (e.g., energy level structure, predissociation linewidths, and radiative lifetimes) for all four electronic state systems discussed here are accounted for by this unified model. The key concept of the model is valence-hole electron configurations: 3σ 2 4σ 1 1π 4 5σ 2 in CN ( 2 Σ + ), 2σ g 2 2σ u 1 1π u 4 3σ g 2 1π g 1 in N 2 ( 3 Π u ), 5σ 2 6σ 1 7σ 2 2π 3 in SiC ( 3 Π), and 4σ g 2 4σ u 1 5σ g 2 2π u 3 in Si 2 ( 3 Π g ), all of which have a triply occupied “valence-core” (i.e., 2σ g 2 2σ u 1 or the equivalent). These valence-hole configurations have a nominal bond order of three or higher and correlate with high-energy separated-atom limits with an np ← ns (n = 2, 3) promotion in one of the atomic constituents. On its way to dissociation, the strongly bound diabatic valence-hole state crosses multiple weakly bound or repulsive states, which belong to electron configurations with a completely filled valence-core. These curve crossings between diabatic potentials result in a network of many avoided crossings among multiple electronic states, analogous to the well-studied electronic structure landscape of ionic-covalent crossings in strongly ionic molecules. In conclusion, considering the unique role of valence-hole states in shaping the global electronic structure, the valence-hole concept should be added to our intuitive framework of chemical bonding.

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

Bond Dissociation Energies of the Actinide Halides AnX, An = Ac–Lr and X = F–I, Utilizing Relativistic Composite Coupled Cluster Approaches

Bond dissociation energies (BDEs) have been calculated for the set of actinide halides AnX with An=Ac, Pa, and Np-Lr and X=F-I. Two composite thermochemistry methods based on the Feller-Peterson-Dixon (FPD) approach have been utilized, one involving spinor-based relativistic CCSD(T) calculations where spin-orbit (SO) was included at the orbital level and another using scalar relativistic CCSD(T) with a posteriori SO contributions based on 2-component multireference configuration interaction calculations. The method that was chosen for a given actinide halide was based on which representation yielded the best single determinant reference determinant for the coupled cluster calculation. The spinor-based method was chosen for all cases except for AmX, CmX, and BkX. Both composite approaches included contributions accounting for basis set truncation, outer-core correlation, the Gaunt interaction, and QED. The scalar FPD results, as well as the spinor-based calculations for AcF, also included higher order electron correlation up through CCSDT(Q). In addition to BDEs, CCSD(T) equilibrium bond lengths, harmonic frequencies, and vibrational anharmonicity constants are reported for all species. Last, the FPD BDEs for the fluorides were used to confirm the trend across the actinide series previously predicted by Gibson using bonding models based atomic promotion energies that provide a single 6d electron for bonding. In particular the local minimum in the BDEs at AmF is confirmed in the present calculations. Furthermore, the BDEs for LrX are predicted to be slightly larger than those of AcX, making them the largest in the actinide halide series.

Actinides↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of Background Electrolyte Composition on the Interfacial Formation of Th(IV) Nanoparticles on the Muscovite (001) Basal Plane

Understanding the impact of actinide nanoparticle (NP) formation is important to assess radionuclide mobility in the environment. We combined surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and in situ AFM to investigate the previously reported unusual electrolyte effects on Th uptake on mica. At low [Th] (0.1 mM), interfacial structures show a broad Th electron density (~50 Å). A linear decrease of Th uptake with decreasing hydration enthalpy of the electrolyte cation (Li+, K+, NH4+, and Cs+) indicates a competitive effect between Th and the electrolyte cation. Na+ is a clear outlier from this trend. In situ AFM imaging confirms the results. Particles show a vertical size of ~1–2 nm and larger lateral dimensions of ~10–20 nm, which is typical for particles formed at interfaces (heterogeneous nucleation). At high [Th] = 1 and 3 mM, all investigated electrolytes (ACl, A = Li+, Na+, K+) show similar Th uptake, indicating a much smaller impact of electrolyte composition. The interfacial structures are dominated by a high Th loading at a distinct distance (~6.5 Å) from the surface. Therefore, the main retention mechanism at high [Th] is suggested to be the sorption of Th NPs aggregated from Th oligomers present in solution (homogeneous nucleation).

Neumann, J↗
DOE OSTI2021

Probing Activities of Individual Catalytic Nanoflakes by Tunneling Mode of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

The tunneling mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was developed recently and applied to studies of charge-transfer reactions at single metal nanoparticles (NPs). When an SECM tip is brought within the tunneling distance from a conductive NP, the particle begins to act as a part of the nanoelectrode. Herein, we demonstrate the possibility of using carbon nanoelectrodes with a very thin insulating sheath for electrochemical tunneling experiments at flat samples. In this way, electrocatalytic activity, conductivity, and charging properties of and faradaic processes in layered nanomaterials can be characterized by single-nanoflake voltammetry without making direct ohmic contact with them. A broad applicability of tunneling SECM experiments is demonstrated by probing nanomaterials with different size, geometry, and electrocatalytic properties, including metallic/pseudo-metallic (1T/1T') and semiconducting (2H) MoS 2 nanoflakes, N-doped porous carbon catalyst, and MXene nanosheets. Further, the Tafel plots for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at individual nanoflakes are compared to analogous measurements for an ensemble of flakes attached to the surface of a macroscopic electrode. Moreover, we observed variations in catalytic activities of individual MXene flakes toward HER and OER caused by non-uniform doping.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Adsorption and Catalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles in Mesoporous Silica: Effect of Pore Size and Dispersion Salinity

The assembled state of nanoparticles (NPs) within porous matrices plays a governing role in directing their biological, electronic, and catalytic properties. However, the effects of the spatial confinement and environmental factors, such as salinity, on the NP assemblies within the pores are poorly understood. In this study, we use adsorption isotherms, spectrophotometry, and small-angle neutron scattering to develop a better understanding of the effect of spatial confinement on the assembled state and catalytic performance of gold (Au) NPs in propylamine-functionalized SBA-15 and MCM-41 mesoporous silica materials (mSiO 2 ). We carry out a detailed investigation of the effect of pore diameter and ionic strength on the packing and spatial distribution of AuNPs within mSiO 2 to get a comprehensive insight into the structure, functioning, and activity of these NPs. We demonstrate the ability of the adsorbed AuNPs to withstand aggregation under high salinity conditions. We attribute the observed preservation of the adsorbed state of AuNPs to the strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged pore walls and AuNPs. The preservation of the structure allows the AuNPs to retain their catalytic activity for a model reaction in high salinity aqueous solution, here, the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol, which otherwise is significantly diminished due to bulk aggregation of the AuNPs. This fundamental study demonstrates the critical role of confinement and dispersion salinity on the adsorption and catalytic performance of NPs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Polariton Formation from Soret Band Excitons in Metal–Organic Frameworks and Plasmonic Lattices

This Letter describes strong coupling between a plasmonic nanoparticle (NP) lattice cavity and Soret excitons in a metal–organic framework (MOF) film. In optical transmission measurements, we observed a lower polariton mode that can be spectrally tuned by infiltrating MOF pores with solvents of different refractive index. Using transient absorption spectroscopy, both the lower and upper polariton modes can be resolved, with an estimated Rabi splitting of ~300 meV, nearly twice that of other plasmonic cavity–organic emitter systems. The polariton modes decay more rapidly than that of the uncoupled exciton. Furthermore, this hybrid system highlights the advantages of open plasmonic cavities for tunable coupling and the use of transient absorption spectroscopy to identify polariton modes.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electrooxidation of CO on Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on NiO Thin Films

In this paper, we report on a robust experimental model to investigate strong metal–support interactions (SMSI) and their effect on electrocatalytic reactions in the absence and presence of direct contact between the nanoparticles (NPs) and the metal oxide thin film. Specifically, we describe beneficial interactions between Ni 0.9 O thin film supports and PtNPs toward the CO electrooxidation reaction. The metal oxide layer (Ni 0.9 O) is prepared by atomic layer deposition and characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). PtNPs, containing an average of either 55 (Pt 55 ) or 140 (Pt 140 ) atoms, were synthesized using a dendrimer encapsulation method. The results indicate negative shifts of ~100 and ~60 mV of the CO electrooxidation peak potential when Ni 0.9 O thin films are in contact with Pt 55 NPs and Pt 140 NPs, respectively. Additionally, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is suppressed only when the PtNPs are in contact with the Ni 0.9 O thin film. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that both the CO electrooxidation enhancement and suppression of the OER can be attributed to a 1.23 eV decrease of the CO* binding energy and a 0.35 eV increase of the OH* binding energy at a NiO(111)/Pt 55 NP interface compared to isolated Pt 55 NPs.

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

Formation of Linear Plasmonic Heterotrimers Using Nanoparticle Docking to DNA Origami Cages

The fabrication of complex assemblies with interesting collective properties from plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) is often challenging. While DNA-directed self-assembly has emerged as one of the most promising approaches to forming such complex assemblies, the resulting structures tend to have large variability in gap sizes and shapes, as the DNA strands used to organize these particles are flexible, and the polydispersity of the NPs leads to variability in these critical structural features. Here, we use a new strategy termed docking to DNA origami cages (D-DOC) to organize spherical NPs into a linear heterotrimer with a precisely defined geometrical arrangement. Instead of binding NPs to the exterior of the DNA templates, D-DOC binds the NPs to either the interior or the opening of a 3D cage, which significantly reduces the variability of critical structural features by incorporating multiple diametrically arranged capture strands to tether NPs. Additionally, such a spatial arrangement of the capture strand can work synergistically with shape complementarity to achieve tighter confinement. To assemble NPs via D-DOC, we developed a multistep assembly process that first encapsulates an NP inside a cage and then binds two other NPs to the openings. Microscopic characterization shows low variability in the bond angles and gap sizes. Both UV–vis absorption and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements showed strong plasmonic coupling that aligned with predictions by electrodynamic simulations, further confirming the precision of the assembly. These results suggest D-DOC could open new opportunities in biomolecular sensing, SERS and fluorescence spectroscopies, and energy harvesting through the self-assembly of NPs into more complex 3D assemblies.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Two-Electron–Two-Proton Transfer from Colloidal ZnO and TiO 2 Nanoparticles to Molecular Substrates

Transfers of multiple electrons and protons are challenging yet central to many energy-conversion processes and other chemical and biochemical reactions. Semiconducting oxides can hold multiple redox equivalents. This study describes the 2e – /2H + transfer reactivity of photo-reduced ZnO and TiO 2 nanoparticle (NP) colloids with molecular 2e – /2H + acceptors, to form new O-H, N-H, and C-H bonds. The reaction stoichi-ometries were monitored by NMR and optical spectroscopies. Faster 2e – /2H + transfer rates were observed for substrates forming O-H or N-H bonds, presumably due to initial hydrogen bonding at the oxide surface. Chemically reduced ZnO NPs stabilized by Na + or Ca 2+ also engage in 2e – /2H + transfer reactivity, showing that protons transferred in these processes are inherent to the oxide nanoparticles and do not exclusively stem from photoreduction. Furthermore, these results highlight the potential of ZnO and TiO 2 for multiple proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions.

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

Real-Space Constrained Density Functional Theory Investigation of Site-Specific, Interfacial Charge Recombination Dynamics Across the Au Nanoparticle/TiO 2 Heterojunction

Au nanoparticle (NP)/TiO 2 heterojunction is a representative system to study interfacial charge transfer in photocatalysis and photovoltaics, where suppressing recombination from TiO 2 to Au can enhance hot carrier extraction. We apply real-space constrained density functional theory (CDFT) with Marcus theory to quantify charge recombination time scales across Au/TiO 2 . This approach enables direct control and visualization of charge-separated states, aligning with site-specific probes like time-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (trXPS). We find that the charge-separated state features a bipolaron, with recombination dominated by TiO 2 LUMO to Au HOMO transitions, primarily at interfacial Au sites. Marcus rate predictions are benchmarked with surface hopping methods, quantifying differences in time scales and computational efficiency. Lastly, we examine how the Au cluster size affects the free energy change (ΔG) and reorganization energy (λ), explaining trends in closed-shell systems and highlighting challenges for open-shell extrapolations. Overall, CDFT + Marcus theory provides efficient, mechanistically transparent interfacial charge transfer modeling, and we clearly defined its applicability and limitation.

Glenna, Drew M. [Univ. of Idaho, Idaho Falls, ID (↗
DOE OSTI2020

3D Volumetric Structural Hierarchy Induced by Colloidal Polymerization of a Quantum-Dot Ionic Liquid Monomer Conjugate

Hierarchically structured emissive quantum dot (CdS/CdSe) poly(ionic liquid) composites are synthesized through colloidal polymerization within a lyotropic liquid crystal, yielding a solvent-responsive nanoparticle (NP) composite possessing four ordered structural motifs. The composite is prepared by coassembling an amphiphilic ionic liquid (IL) monomer, 3-decyl-1-vinylimidazolium chloride, [C 10 VIm + ][Cl - ], and IL monomer, 3-(10-mercaptodecyl)-1-vinylimidazolium bromide surface-functionalized quantum dots, QD-[SC 10 VIm + ][Br - ], in 30 wt % water. Photo (UV)-initiated free radical polymerization serves to form a colloidal copolymer that collimates pairs of QDs within the core of large cylinders (average diameter = 21 nm and length = 422 nm), as evidenced by ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS). As revealed by continuous wave terahertz multispectral reconstructive 3-D imaging, the subsurface structure along the cylinder axis undergoes dynamic rearrangement between 2D hexagonal and cubic packing. The polymerized ionic liquid sheath surrounding the QDs is composed of concentric hexagonally perforated lamellae (HPL) with an interlamellar repeat distance of 3 nm, as determined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The encapsulated QDs retain crystallinity (TEM and WAXS) and emission characteristics (photoluminescence spectroscopy, lambda(EM) = 638 nm). Phenomenological time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau calculations verify the mesoscale cylinders arise from the topological constraints imposed by the in-plane perforations of the polymerized ionic liquid as it wraps around the hard (unmalleable) spherical QDs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗