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At least 1,261 records · Page 70

Defect Repair of Polyelectrolyte Bilayers Using SDS: The Action of Micelles Versus Monomers

Defects within single, double, and triple polyelectrolyte bilayers derived from poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly(diallyldimethyammonium chloride) (PDDA) have been repaired using aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as evidenced by a reduction in their permeability and an increase in their permeation selectivity. In contrast to the use of monomer solutions of SDS, which were moderately effective in repairing only double and triple bilayers, micellar solutions proved highly effective for all three assemblies. Here, evidence for intact micelles or micellar fragments being deposited on the surface of single bilayers of PSS/PDDA has been obtained from a combination of atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements. Observed CO 2 permeances of ca. 200 GPU and CO 2 /N 2 selectivities of ca. 30 for SDS-repaired, single bilayers of PSS/PDDA suggest that further development of such assemblies could have the practical potential for the separation of CO 2 from N 2 in the flue gas.

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Synergistic Combination of Living Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization to Synthesize Structurally Tailored and Engineered Macromolecular Networks

Structurally tailored and engineered macromolecular (STEM) networks are attractive materials for soft robotics, stretchable electronics, tissue engineering, and 3D printing due to their tunable properties. To date, STEM networks have been synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) or the combination of reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization and ATRP. RAFT polymerization could have limited selectivity with ATRP inimer sites that can participate in radical-transfer processes. On the other hand, living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) can produce a polymeric network with latent ATRP initiator sites in high selectivity. Herein, for the first time, we report the syntheses of STEM zero-generation (STEM-0) networks using a monomer, a cross-linker, and an ATRP/ROMP inimer via living ROMP, followed by their modification using a second monomer via ATRP to synthesize STEM first-generation (STEM-1) networks. The mechanical property and swelling capacity analyses of these networks were carried out. A change in mechanical properties and swelling capacity of these networks was observed due to their structural modification.

Absorption↗

Nanocomposites Based on Coil-Comb Diblock Copolymers

The polymer chain architecture is an important factor determining the phase behavior of nanoparticle (NP) assembly in polymer matrices. Block copolymers (BCPs) containing a random copolymer (RCP) block present a convenient variation on traditional BCPs to tune the interaction parameters between the polymer blocks and the nanofillers as well as to evaluate the effect of the chain architecture on the NP arrangements within BCP microdomains. Here, we synthesized BCPs with a coil polystyrene (PS) block and a comb RCP block through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The RCP block consists of methyl- and lauryl acrylates, the latter of which confers a long-chain alkyl moiety to favorably interact with alkyl-passivated NPs. BCPs showing lamellar, cylindrical, and mixed morphologies were obtained by varying the volume fractions of the RCP block (f RCP ). In comparison to coil-coil BCP, the coil-comb BCPs show highly asymmetric phase behavior with respect to fRCP, where lamellar morphologies were observed at fRCP from 0.31 to 0.51. NPs in the size of 4-5 nm were successfully incorporated in the RCP block of the BCPs with periodicities of 30-60 nm. An order-to-order phase transition from lamellae to PS cylinders was observed after the addition of only 1-2 vol % 5 nm NPs into the BCP with a periodicity of 25 nm and f RCP of 0.51. Self-consistent field theory-density functional theory simulations qualitatively described the observed morphologies and phase transitions in the nanocomposites. Here, the current study presents a platform to fabricate nanocomposites with NP assemblies in coil-comb BCPs that contain a random copolymer block and provides insight into how polymer chain architectures can affect the phase behavior of BCPs and nanocomposites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis of Poly(Ester-Ether) Polymers via Hydroesterificative Polymerization of α,ω-Enol Ethers

The Pd-catalyzed carbonylative polymerization of α,ω-enol ethers derived from etherification of 10-undecenol with diols is reported, extending the scope of this relatively new polymerization strategy beyond simple 10-undecenol. Here, by varying the length of the aliphatic diol fragment in the α,ω-enol ether monomers the T m and T d of the polymers could be modified, ranging from 53 to 62 °C and 247 to 277 °C. Additionally, polymerization of α,ω-enol ethers containing rigid and bioderived diol moieties has been achieved, expanding the range of structures and polymer properties accessible via hydroesterificative polymerization. These more rigid α,ω-enol ether monomers resulted in further tuning of the polymer physical properties, with T m values ranging from 54 to 68 °C and T g values increasing up to –17 °C.

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Dual-Responsive Macromolecular Surfaces with Binary Patterns

The development of nanopatterned interfaces incorporating multiple stimuli-responsive polymers has great potential for advancing smart sensors and molecular capture devices, yet it remains challenging due to limitations in patterning techniques and “grafting from” methods. Here, we present a binary-patterned surface featuring honeycomb-shaped photothermal polypyrrole (PPy) and thermally responsive poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate) [poly(EGMEA-co-PEGMEA)] brushes within the cavities, fabricated using colloidal lithography and surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization. The morphology of the surface can be precisely tuned by adjusting the height of each domain. This design integrates unique topographical features with the stimuli-responsiveness of the polymer, enabling the collapse of the copolymer brushes through direct heating or photothermal conversion of PPy under near-IR light. In conclusion, this innovative system offers potential capture-release functionality, providing versatility for diverse applications and enhancing adaptability across different functional scenarios.

Copolymers↗

Bottom-Up Simulation, Reconstruction, and Quantification of Macromolecule Sequences from Experimental Polymerizations

Motivated by the canonical sequence–structure–function paradigm, tools to characterize chemical patterning in natural biomacromolecules, from proteins to nucleic acids, have grown exponentially in recent years. However, analogous strategies for synthetic macromolecules remain in nascent stages, complicated by sequence polydispersity and analytical limitations. To address this, we have developed a comprehensive and open-source Python package, PRISM (polymer rate insights and sequence modeling), an end-to-end workflow that provides a path from experimental kinetics measurements to quantitative and qualitative metrics for describing chemical patterning in stochastic polymers. First, a numerical integration strategy was constructed to simulate and fit experimental data from reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization kinetics, enabling the facile estimation of relevant reactivity ratios. These ratios were then used in a mechanism-specific stochastic kinetic simulation strategy to simulate sequence ensembles corresponding to model systems spanning experimental copolymers, classes of statistical polymers (e.g., alternating, block, and gradient), and multiblock copolymers. Lastly, inspired by sequence homology metrics from bioinformatics, we introduce visualization strategies and quantitative metrics to facilitate comparisons of different sequence ensembles. As the sequence–structure–function paradigm becomes increasingly central in de novo design of synthetic macromolecules, this toolkit provides a first step toward accurate and representative sequence description and featurization.

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Kinetic Pathways to Diblock Copolymer Micelles via Thin Film Dissolution and Cosolvent Variation

We investigate how processing pathways control micelle formation during dissolution of lamellar diblock copolymers using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations and DPD-selfconsistent field theory (DPD-SCFT). Comparing thin film (TF) and cosolvent-assisted (CS) dissolution reveals fundamentally different micellization mechanisms and final states. In the TF pathway, dissolution proceeds through a metastable cylindrical intermediate that dictates final micelle dimensions. The lamellar melt first transforms into cylindrical micelles, which then fragment into spherical micelles. The final spherical radius is intrinsically linked to the cylinder radius by a constant ratio, Rsphere ≈ 1.4Rcylinder. DPD-SCFT confirms that both cylinders and spheres are near their equilibrium dimensions. In contrast, CS dissolution produces kinetically trapped micelles with sizes significantly below equilibrium. Micellization is hindered by high free energy barriers to single-chain exchange and fusion. Growth occurs primarily via fusion, but increasing corona repulsion suppresses further coarsening, preventing equilibration. These results demonstrate that, when starting from a bulk copolymer phase, the metastable cylindrical intermediate plays a central role in determining final micelle size.

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Electrolyte-phobic Surface for the Next-Generation Nanostructured Battery Electrodes

Nanostructured electrodes are among the most important candidates rationally designed to enable high capacity battery chemistry. Nanostructures can solve issues such as the volume change and mechanical fragmentations. However, the high surface area they usually possess would decrease the Coulombic efficiencies, since the side chemical reactions scale with surface area. Moreover, electrodes comprised of nanomaterials have significant intakes of liquid electrolytes, which reduces the overall energy density and increases the cost of the battery. Here we present a new strategy of limiting effective surface area by introducing an “electrolyte-phobic surface”. In this study, a porous Si anode functions as a model material to demonstrate this concept. Silicon boasts high theoretical capacity, but experiences large volume change during its lithiation and delithiation processes. Porous Si can address this volume change problem with the buffer effect of its inner pores. However, porous silicon shows low initial Coulombic efficiencies and high irreversible lithium loss, owing to its intrinsic high surface area. In this report, a covalently linked perfluorinated surface coating layer on porous Si particles serves as an electrolyte-phobic protection layer, minimizing the accessible surface area for the electrolytes, decreasing the side reactions between the electrolyte and Si surface, and thus significantly enhancing the initial Coulombic efficiencies, up to ~88% compared to ~60% for the pristine porous silicon. Meanwhile, the electrolyte-phobic protection layer of Si particles keeps the silicon surface compatible with the conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder, which helps to stabilize the Si electrode for long-term battery cycling.

Qian, Chenxi↗

Supramolecular Interactions and Morphology of Self-Assembling Peptide Amphiphile Nanostructures

The morphology of supramolecular peptide nanostructures is difficult to predict given their complex energy landscapes. We investigated peptide amphiphiles containing β-sheet forming domains that form twisted nanoribbons in water. We explained the morphology based on a balance between the energetically favorable packing of molecules in the center of the nanostructures, the unfavorable packing at the edges, and the deformations due to packing of twisted β-sheets. We find that morphological polydispersity of PA nanostructures is determined by peptide sequences, and the twisting of their internal β-sheets. Here, we also observed a change in the supramolecular chirality of the nanostructures as the peptide sequence was modified, although only amino acids with l-configuration were used. Upon increasing charge repulsion between molecules, we observed a change in morphology to long cylinders and then rodlike fragments and spherical micelles. Understanding the self-assembly mechanisms of peptide amphiphiles into nanostructures should be useful to optimize their well-known functions.

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Trihydrogen Formation on Gold Nanoparticles in Strong Laser Fields

The tri-hydrogen cation (H+ 3 ) plays a central role in proton-transfer chemistry, astrochemical pathways, and hydrogen plasma environments, acting as a key indicator of ultrafast proton rearrangement. Although H+ 3 formation is studied extensively in the gas phase, its surface-mediated generation and its sensitiv- ity to nanoparticle morphology remain largely unexplored. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can localize surface charge and sustain strong electric fields, offer an ideal platform to probe such nonequilibrium reaction pathways. Us- ing reaction nanoscopy, we spatially map H+ 3 production on AuNPs exposed to intense femtosecond laser fields. By comparing spherical and faceted nanopar- ticles, we demonstrate how morphology modulates charge density and governs reaction efficiency. We find that sharp features on faceted particles concen- trate charge more effectively, promoting molecular fragmentation and enabling proton rearrangement and migration that enhance H+ 3 yields. This work opens new directions for exploiting strong-field interactions at metal interfaces to drive nanoscale reactivity and photocatalysis.

Dagar, Ritika [SLAC National Accelerator Laborator↗

Heterogeneous Corrosion Pathways in Pt–Ni Nanododecahedra Revealed by In Situ Liquid Cell TEM

Unraveling nanoscale corrosion pathways is essential for understanding materials degradation mechanisms and designing corrosion-resistant metal alloys. Here, in this study, we directly visualize the corrosion of Pt–Ni nanododecahedra in 0.1 M HCl using liquid cell TEM. Each nanoparticle features a Ni-rich core and a Pt-rich frame. Our observation reveals that corrosion proceeds in two distinct stages: first the Ni-rich core dissolves without forming porosity, yielding small Pt nanocrystals and transient NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O at the retreating interfaces; then the Pt-rich frame fragments into ∼5 nm Pt 3 Ni nanocrystals that subsequently dissolve uniformly, accompanied by fleeting Pt chlorides. A percolation-based theory explains the observed behaviors: The core’s ∼8% Pt lies below the Pt connectivity threshold, preventing Pt scaffold formation, whereas the frame’s 48% Ni exceeds the Ni percolation threshold and collapses. Ordered Pt 3 Ni suppresses Ni percolation, thereby enforcing uniform dissolution. These findings reveal how composition and structural ordering govern heterogeneous corrosion in Pt–Ni architectured nanoparticles.

Liquid phase TEM↗

Thermodynamic Trends for Reduction of CO by Molecular Complexes

Selective reduction of CO 2 into fuels and chemical feedstocks is highly desirable to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Most molecular catalysts afford 2e – reduction products, such as CO or HCO 2 – , as opposed to more reduced products. Here we present an analysis of the thermodynamic limitations for reduction of the CO ligand in the form of a series of isostructural group 6 carbonyl complexes, Cp*M(CO) 3 (P(OMe) 3 ) + (M = Cr, Mo, and W). Additionally, the free energy for stepwise transfer of a hydride (H – ) and a proton (H + ) to the CO ligand, resulting in a hydroxycarbene (CHOH) complex, was measured by equilibration with H – /H + donors and acceptors with known hydricity or acidity. Together, these two reaction steps are equivalent to a net addition of H 2 across the CO ligand. A large and unfavorable free energy for H 2 addition (Δ G ° H2 ) was measured for all three complexes and decreases in the order Cr > Mo > W. The trend for these complexes is opposite to the trend previously reported for group 7 carbonyl complexes, for which Δ G ° H2 decreases moving up the group, Re > Mn. Computational analysis indicates the trends can be described in terms of electrostatic effects, where a low Δ G ° H2 is obtained in complexes that balance the atomic charges of the M–C≡O fragment of the complex. These findings can be used to design metal carbonyl complexes with a more energetically accessible H 2 addition, which will facilitate the development of molecular catalysts for reduction of CO.

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Supported Organoiridium-Pincer Catalysts for the Nonoxidative Dehydrogenation of High-Density Polyethylene

The iridium-pincer complex {p-OP( t Bu) 2 -C 6 H 2 -2,6-OP( t Bu) 2 ] 2 }Ir(C 2 H 4 ) ( P [Ir]) has been reported as a stable and active catalyst toward alkane dehydrogenation in homogeneous and supported heterogeneous systems. Dehydrogenation has been shown as a practical method toward functional polyolefins, with dehydrogenated high-density polyethylene (deHDPE) demonstrated as a valuable synthon for upcycling, as orthogonal C-H strategies are key to end-of-life upcycling. The heterogenization of P [Ir] on oxides (SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and TiO 2 ; P [Ir]/E y O x ) yields a mixture of organometallic Ir-fragments whose catalytic nonoxidative dehydrogenation activity is modulated by the binding modes of the active metal on the surface. The binding mode was elucidated by a combination of solid-state NMR and XAFS analyses and supported by DFT calculations. Surface binding through the ligand enables active organoiridium that catalyzes internal olefination of deHDPE up to 1.23 mol % at 200 °C under dynamic vacuum. Alternatively, when the organoiridium is bonded though the metal center (Ir-O SiO ), catalyst activity is negligible. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of P [Ir]/SiO 2 showed comparable reactivity with the homogeneous analogue under the same catalytic conditions, and the heterogenized catalyst can be reused up to three cycles. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance of understanding how organometallic precursors react with hydroxylated metal oxide surfaces to establish structure-property relationships.

Hunt, Samuel B. [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)↗

3D Temperature-Controlled Interchangeable Pattern for Size-Selective Nanoparticle Capture

Patterned surfaces with distinct regularity and structured arrangements have attracted great interest due to their extensive promising applications. Although colloidal patterning has conventionally been used to create such surfaces, herein, we introduce a novel 3D patterned poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) surface, synthesized by using a combination of colloidal templating and surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization. In order to investigate the temperature-driven 3D morphological variations at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of ~32 °C, multifaceted characterization techniques were employed. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the morphological transformations at 20 and 40 °C, while water contact angle measurements, upon heating, revealed distinct trends, offering insights into the correlation between surface wettability and topography adaptations. Moreover, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and electrochemical measurements were employed to detect the topographical adjustments of the unique hollow capsule structure within the LCST. Tests using different sizes of PSNPs shed light on the size-selective capture–release potential of the patterned PNIPAM, accentuating its biomimetic open–close behavior. Notably, our approach negates the necessity for expensive proteins, harnessing temperature adjustments to facilitate the noninvasive and efficient reversible capture and release of nanostructures. Finally, this advancement hopes to pave the way for future innovative cellular analysis platforms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Crystalline Si Surface Passivation with Nafion for Bulk Defects Detection with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Here, in monocrystalline Si (c-Si) solar cells, identification and mitigation of bulk defects are crucial to achieving a high photoconversion efficiency. To spectroscopically detect defects in the c-Si bulk, it is desirable to passivate the surface defects. Passivation of the c-Si surface with dielectrics such as Al 2 O 3 and SiNx requires deposition at elevated temperatures, which can influence defects in the bulk. Herein, we report on the passivation of different Czochralski (Cz) Si wafer surfaces by an organic copolymer, Nafion. We test the efficacy of the surface passivation at temperatures ranging from 6 to 473 K to detect bulk defects using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. By comparing with state-of-the-art passivation layers, including Al 2 O 3 and liquid HF/HCl, we found that at room temperature, Nafion can provide comparable passivation of n-type Cz Si with an implied open-circuit voltage (iV oc ) of 713 mV and a recombination current prefactor J o of 5 fA/cm 2 . For p-type Cz Si, we obtained an iV oc of 682 mV with a J o of 22.4 fA/cm 2 . Scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence reveal that Nafion can also be used to passivate the surface of c-Si solar cell fragments scribed from a solar cell module by using a laser. Consistent with previous studies, analysis of the EPR spectroscopy data confirms that the H-terminated surface is necessary, and fixed negative charge in Nafion is responsible for the field-effect passivation. While the surface passivation quality was maintained for almost 24 h, which is sufficient for spectroscopic measurements, the passivation degraded over longer durations, which can be attributed to surface SiO x growth. These results show that Nafion is a promising room-temperature surface passivation technique to study bulk defects in c-Si.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Radiation Damage Mechanisms in Oxide-Based Solid Electrolytes

Ion implantation is a promising approach to mitigate dendrite formation in metal anode solid-state batteries by modifying the chemical and mechanical properties of oxide-based electrolyte surfaces such as Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO). Yet, the detailed atomistic mechanisms and potentially adverse side effects of ion implantation remain poorly understood. In this study, we used molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the evolution of radiation-induced damage in LLZO. The results reveal that radiation damage is primarily driven by recoils from heavy ions in the lattice, producing antisite defect clusters whose density decreases as recoil energy increases, a counterintuitive finding that highlights complex cascade fragmentation. Radiation-induced disruption to the crystal sublattice connectivity, especially in the La–O network critical for Li-ion transport, leads to degradation in ionic pathways at low energies, while higher energy cascades can form new conduction pathways via enhanced Zr–O network connectivity. These findings provide a mechanistic foundation for optimizing ion implantation strategies that balance disruption of the lattice for surface modification for dendrite resistance with preservation of essential ionic conductivity.

Defects↗

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Cu@IrO 2 Core-Shell Nanowires for Low-Temperature Methane Conversion

A facile microwave-assisted synthesis was developed for the tunable fabrication of a novel Cu@IrO 2 core@shell nanowire motif. Experimental parameters, such as (i) reaction time, (ii) the method of addition of the Ir precursor, (iii) capping agent, (iv) reducing agent, as well as (v) the capping agent-to-reducing agent ratio, were subsequently optimized. The viability of other methods based on previously reported literature, such as refluxing, stirring, and physical sonication, was studied and compared with our optimized microwave-assisted protocol in creating our as-prepared materials. It should be noted that the magnitude of the IrO 2 shell could be tailored based on varying the Cu: Ir ratio coupled with judicious variations in the amounts of capping agent and reducing agent. Structural characterization techniques, such as XRD, XPS, and HRTEM (including HRTEM-EDS), were used to analyze our Cu@IrO 2 motifs. Specifically, the shell could be reliably tailored from sizes of 10 nm, 8 nm, 6 nm, and 3.5 nm with corresponding Cu: Ir ratios of 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, and 25:1, respectively. Moreover, the structural integrity of the motifs was probed and found to have been maintained after not only heat treatment but also the post-methane conversion process, indicative of an intrinsically high stability. Both components within the CuO-IrO 2 interface were able to activate methane at temperatures between 400 to 500 K with a reduction of the associated metal cations (Cu 2+ → Cu 1+ ; Ir 4+ → Ir 3+ ) and the deposition of CH x fragments on the surface, as clearly observed in the ambient-pressure XPS results. Thus, on the basis of their stability and chemical activity, these core-shell materials could be very useful for the catalytic conversion of methane into 'higher value" chemicals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Helium Ion Microscopy with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Nanoscale Chemical Imaging and Analysis of Polyolefins

To date, chemical imaging of polymers and polymer blends has been primarily accomplished using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to directly visualize the distribution of components in a complex material with spatial resolution ranging from 100 nm to 5 μm. However, in many cases, this resolution falls far short of visualizing interfaces directly. To overcome these limitations, recent work has focused on developing a SIMS detection system based on a helium ion microscope (HIM) enabling chemical imaging with a demonstrated ~14 nm spatial resolution. Here, we utilize HIM-SIMS for differentiation between the olefin-based polymers of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). We illustrate both analyses for separating PE and PP using specific mass fragment ratios as well as demonstrate spatially resolved imaging of phase-separated domains within PE. Altogether, we demonstrate the abilities of HIM-SIMS as a multimodal chemical technique for imaging and quantification of polyolefin interfaces, which could be more broadly applied to the analysis of more complex polymeric systems.

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