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At least 1,675 records · Page 93
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Pressure-Induced Polymerization and Disproportionation of Li 2 C 2 Accompanied with Irreversible Conductivity Enhancement

Li 2 C 2 has the highest theoretical capacity (1400 mA·h·g –1 ) as the electrode material for Li-ion battery, but suffers from low conductivity. Here we found that under external pressure its conductivity was irreversibly enhanced by 10 9 -fold. To explain that, we performed X-ray diffraction, Raman, IR, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and theoretical investigations under external pressure. We found that the C 2 2– anions approached to each other and polymerized upon compression, which is responsible for the irreversible enhancement of conductivity. The polymer has a ribbon structure and disproportionates into Li 3 C 4 (Li 2–0.5 C 2 ) ribbon structure, Li 6 C 3 (Li propenide) and Li 4 C 3 (Li allenide) upon decompression, implying that the carbon skeletal is highly electrochemically active. Furthermore, our work reported polymerized Li 2 C 2 for the first time, demonstrated that applying pressure is an effective method to prepare novel Li–C frameworks, and hence shed light on the search for novel carbon-based electrode materials.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Mechanistic Studies of an Iron-Catalyzed Intermolecular C–H Amination Reaction under Catalytic Conditions and Having a Large KIE

The conversion of C–H bonds into amines by nitrene insertion is an attractive transformation since it is both atom- and step-economical, and provides a direct route to functionalizing hydrocarbons. Using an iron catalyst [{( tBu pyrr) 2 pyr}Fe(OEt 2 )] (1-OEt 2 ) (( tBu pyrr) 2 pyr 2– = 3,5- t Bu 2 -bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine), we recently demonstrated the catalytic conversion of weak C–H bonds into secondary amines using aryl azides as the nitrene source [Zars, E.; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202311749]. Here, we describe detailed mechanistic studies of this intermolecular C–H amination reaction under catalytic conditions. We find by Variable Time Normalization Analysis (VTNA) that the conversion of xanthene (2-H 2 ) and 2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl azide ( Me 3) catalyzed by 1-OEt 2 is an overall 3/2 order process, being 1 st order in 2-H 2 and half order in Me 3. A kinetic isotope effect study (KIE) using 2-d 2 results in a significant decrease in the rate (KIE = 61(15)), which clearly implicates the C–H insertion step as rate-determining. Furthermore, treatment of 1-OEt 2 with one equivalent of N 3 -2,6- i Pr 2 –C 6 H 3 yields the mixed-valence C–N coupled product [( tBu pyrr) 2 pyrFe-N═C(2,6 i Pr 2 –Ph)═N-(2,6 i Pr 2 –Ph))Fe tBu pyrrpyr(2-H-pyrr)] (5 iPr ). Quantum chemical calculations confirm the electronic structure of the mixed-valence dimer in 5 iPr and rationalize the Hammett correlation by a delicate balance in the dinuclearization of the catalytically active monomers. Calculations further indicate significant tunneling for the pivotal H atom abstraction by the iron-imidyl complex. Combining all these results allows us to propose a mechanism consisting of imido formation in equilibrium with a radical-coupled diiron system, followed by stepwise C–H insertion via a linear H atom abstraction transition state and subsequent radical rebound.

azides↗
DOE OSTI2023

Delivering Robust Proton-Only Sensing of Hyperpolarized [1,2- 13 C 2 ]-Pyruvate Using Broad-Spectral-Range Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Pulse Sequences

Hyperpolarized [1- 13 C]pyruvate is the leading hyperpolarized injectable contrast agent and is currently under evaluation in clinical trials for molecular imaging of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. One aspect limiting broad scalability of the technique is that hyperpolarized 13 C MRI requires specialized 13 C hardware and software that are not generally available on clinical MRI scanners, which employ proton-only detection. Here, we present an approach that uses pulse sequences to transfer 13 C hyperpolarization to methyl protons for detection of the 13 C– 13 C pyruvate singlet, employing proton-only excitation and detection only. The new pulse sequences are robust to the B 1 and B 0 magnetic field inhomogeneities. The work focuses on singlet-to-magnetization (S2M) and rotor-synchronized (R) pulses, both relying on trains of hard pulses with broad spectral width coverage designed to effectively transform hyperpolarized 13 C 2 -singlet hyperpolarization to 1 H polarization on the CH 3 group of [1,2- 13 C 2 ]pyruvate. Finally, this approach may enable a broader adoption of hyperpolarized MRI as a molecular imaging technique.

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

Mathematical Reconstruction of Land Carbon Models From Their Numerical Output: Computing Soil Radiocarbon From C Dynamics

Radiocarbon ( 14 C) is a powerful tracer of the global carbon cycle that is commonly used to assess carbon cycling rates in various Earth system reservoirs and as a benchmark to assess model performance. Therefore, it has been recommended that Earth System Models (ESMs) participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 report predicted radiocarbon values for relevant carbon pools. However, a detailed representation of radiocarbon dynamics may be an impractical burden on model developers. Here, we present an alternative approach to compute radiocarbon values from the numerical output of an ESM that does not explicitly represent these dynamics. The approach requires computed 12 C stocks and fluxes among all carbon pools for a particular simulation of the model. From this output, a time-dependent linear compartmental system is computed with its respective state-transition matrix. Using transient atmospheric 14 C values as inputs, the state-transition matrix is then applied to compute radiocarbon values for each pool, the average value for the entire system, and component fluxes. We demonstrate the approach with ELMv1-ECA, the land component of an ESM model that explicitly represents 12 C, and 14 C in 7 soil pools and 10 vertical layers. Results from our proposed method are highly accurate (relative error <0.01%) compared with the ELMv1-ECA 12 C and 14 C predictions, demonstrating the potential to use this approach in CMIP6 and other model simulations that do not explicitly represent 14 C.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Isolation and characterization of a covalent Ce IV -Aryl complex with an anomalous 13 C chemical shift

The synthesis of bona fide organometallic Ce IV complexes is a formidable challenge given the typically oxidizing properties of the Ce IV cation and reducing tendencies of carbanions. Herein, we report a pair of compounds comprising a Ce IV – C aryl bond [Li(THF) 4 ][Ce IV (κ 2 - ortho -oxa)(MBP) 2 ] ( 3-THF ) and [Li(DME) 3 ][Ce IV (κ 2 - ortho -oxa)(MBP) 2 ] ( 3-DME ), ortho -oxa = dihydro-dimethyl-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-oxazolide, MBP 2– = 2,2'-methylenebis(6- tert -butyl-4-methylphenolate), which exhibit Ce IV – C aryl bond lengths of 2.571(7) – 2.5806(19) Å and strongly-deshielded, Ce IV – C ipso 13 C{ 1 H} NMR resonances at 255.6 ppm. Computational analyses reveal the Ce contribution to the Ce IV – C aryl bond of 3-THF is ~12%, indicating appreciable metal-ligand covalency. Computations also reproduce the characteristic 13 C{ 1 H} resonance, and show a strong influence from spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects on the chemical shift. The results demonstrate that SOC-driven deshielding is present for Ce IV – C ipso 13 C{ 1 H} resonances and not just for diamagnetic actinide compounds.

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

Directing CO 2 electroreduction pathways for selective C 2 product formation using single-site doped copper catalysts

Manipulating the selectivity-determining step in post-C–C coupling is crucial for enhancing C 2 product specificity during electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction, complementing efforts to boost rate-determining step kinetics. Here we highlight the role of single-site noble metal dopants on Cu surfaces in influencing C–O bond dissociation in an oxygen-bound selectivity-determining intermediate, steering post-C–C coupling toward ethylene versus ethanol. Integrating theoretical and experimental analyses, we demonstrate that the oxygen binding strength of the Cu surface controls the favorability of C–O bond scission, thus tuning the selectivity ratio of ethylene-to-ethanol. The Rh-doped Cu catalyst with optimal oxygen binding energy achieves a Faradaic efficiency toward ethylene of 61.2% and an ethylene-to-ethanol Faradaic efficiency ratio of 4.51 at –0.66 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode). Integrating control of both rate-determining and selectivity-determining steps further raises ethylene Faradaic efficiency to 68.8% at 1.47 A cm -2 in a tandem electrode. Our insights guide the rational design of Cu-based catalysts for selective CO 2 electroreduction to a single C 2 product.

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

Syntheses, structures, and 1 H, 13 C{ 1 H} and 119 Sn{ 1 H} NMR chemical shifts of a family of trimethyltin alkoxide, amide, halide and cyclopentadienyl compounds

The synthesis and full characterization, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) data ( 1 H, 13 C{ 1 H} and 119 Sn{ 1 H}), for a series of Me 3 SnX (X = O-2,6-tBu 2 C 6 H 3 (1), (Me 3 Sn)N(2,6- i Pr 2 C 6 H 3 ) (3), NH-2,4,6- t Bu 3 C 6 H 2 (4), N(SiMe 3 ) 2 (5), NEt 2 , C 5 Me 5 (6), Cl, Br, I, and SnMe 3 ) compounds in benzene-d 6 , toluene-d 8 , dichloromethane-d 2 , chloroform-d 1 , acetonitrile-d 3 , and tetrahydrofuran-d 8 are reported. The X-ray crystal structures of Me 3 Sn(O-2,6- t Bu 2 C 6 H 3 ) (1), Me 3 Sn(O-2,6- i Pr 2 C 6 H 3 ) (2), and (Me 3 Sn)(NH-2,4,6- t Bu 3 C 6 H 2 ) (4) are also presented. As a result, these compiled data complement existing literature data and ease the characterization of these compounds by routine NMR experiments.

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

Photodissociation of iso-propoxy (i-C 3 H 7 O) radical at 248 nm

Photodissociation of the i-C 3 H 7 O radical is investigated using fast beam photofragment translational spectroscopy. Neutral i-C 3 H 7 O radicals are produced through the photodetachment of a fast beam of i-C 3 H 7 O - anions and are subsequently dissociated at 248 nm (5.0 eV). Furthermore, the dominant product channels are CH 3 + CH 3 CHO and OH + C 3 H 6 with some contribution from H + C 3 H 6 O. The CH 3 and H loss channels are attributed to dissociation on the ground electronic state of i-C 3 H 7 O, but in a nonstatistical manner because calculated RRKM dissociation rates exceed the rate of energy randomization. Translational energy and angular distributions for OH loss are consistent with ground state dissociation, but the branching ratio for this channel is considerably higher than predicted from RRKM rate calculations. Additionally, i-C 3 H 7 O undergoes three-body fragmentation to CH 3 + CH 3 + HCO and CH 3 + CH 4 + CO. These three-body channels are attributed to dissociation of i-C 3 H 7 O to CH 3 + CH 3 CHO, followed by secondary dissociation of CH 3 CHO on its ground electronic state.

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

In situ catalyst activation and regeneration enable energy-efficient high-current CO 2 reduction to ethanol-rich C 2+ mixtures

Electrochemical conversion of dissolved CO 2 in bicarbonate electrolytes, i.e., bicarbonate electrolysis, offers distinct advantages over gas diffusion electrode systems by enabling direct utilization of the CO 2 capture electrolyte while bypassing the energy-intensive CO 2 release step. However, bicarbonate electrolysis faces challenges such as CO 2 mass-transfer limitation, local pH-driven CO 2 depletion, and high cathodic potentials. The higher potential often causes catalyst surface reorganization, leading to a gradual loss of active sites and variations in selectivity during CO 2 reduction. Here, we report a directed, in situ activation and regeneration method that allows precatalysts to equilibrate under dynamic (pulsed) electrolysis conditions. We demonstrate in situ activation of a scalable Cu 2 O/Cu mesh that, under short-width (t = 4 s) pulsed electrolysis, provides stable mixed oxidation states of Cu, favoring the formation of an ethanol-rich crude mixture. The pulsed electrolysis waveform, consisting of six distinct segments, is tuned to form Cu + oxides, which are then reduced to generate local alkaline conditions favoring C–C coupling. This synergistic effect results in FEs of 73% for C2+ products and 39% for ethanol at an applied current density of −150 mA cm −2 and a cathodic potential of −1.45 V (vs. RHE). The overall half-cell energy efficiency is ∼30% for C 2+ products. The in situ Raman experiments confirm the role of pCO 2 R in dynamically regenerating Cu+-containing surface species during pulsed operation, thereby steering selectivity towards C 2+ products. A comprehensive multiscale, multiphysics model is developed to investigate the dynamic behavior of copper surface species (Cu, Cu + , and Cu 2+ ) and local microenvironmental conditions during the pCO 2 R. The results reveal that the coexistence of different copper oxidation states, especially the Cu+ intermediate, is critical in steering selectivity towards multicarbon (C 2+ ) products. The dynamic modulation of surface redox states via tailored pulsing strategies favors C–C coupling pathways by inducing localized alkaline conditions and stabilizing reactive intermediates. This work establishes a predictive modeling platform that links pulse waveform design with mechanistic insights into catalyst state evolution and product selectivity. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the synergistic effect of in situ activation of pre-catalysts and pulsed electrolysis for higher selectivity towards C 2+ products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Infrared identification of the {sigma}-complex of Cl-C{sub 6}H{sub 6} in the reaction of chlorine atom and benzene in solid para-hydrogen

The reaction of a chlorine atom with benzene (C{sub 6}H{sub 6}) is important in organic chemistry, especially in site-selective chlorination reactions, but its product has been a subject of debate for five decades. Previous experimental and theoretical studies provide no concrete conclusion on whether the product is a {pi}- or {sigma}-form of the Cl-C{sub 6}H{sub 6} complex. We took advantage of the diminished cage effect of para-hydrogen (p-H{sub 2}) to produce Cl in situ to react with C{sub 6}H{sub 6} (or C{sub 6}D{sub 6}) upon photolysis of a Cl{sub 2}/C{sub 6}H{sub 6} (or C{sub 6}D{sub 6})/p-H{sub 2} matrix at 3.2 K. The infrared spectrum, showing intense lines at 1430.5, 833.6, 719.8, 617.0, and 577.4 cm{sup -1}, and several weaker ones for Cl-C{sub 6}H{sub 6}, and the deuterium shifts of observed new lines unambiguously indicate that the product is a 6-chlorocyclohexadienyl radical, i.e., the {sigma}-complex of Cl-C{sub 6}H{sub 6}. Observation of the {sigma}-complex rather than the {pi}-complex indicates that the {sigma}-complex is more stable in solid p-H{sub 2} at 3.2 K. The spectral information is crucial for further investigations of the Cl + C{sub 6}H{sub 6} reaction either in the gaseous or solution phase.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Interlayer growth in Mo/B{sub 4}C multilayered structures upon thermal annealing

Both multilayer period thickness expansion and compaction were observed in Mo/B{sub 4}C multilayers upon annealing, and the physical causes for this were explored in detail. Using in situ time-dependent grazing incidence X-ray reflectometry, period changes down to picometer-scale were resolved. It was shown that the changes depend on the thickness of the B{sub 4}C layers, annealing temperature, and annealing time. Although strong stress relaxation during annealing was observed, it was excluded as a cause for period expansion. Auger electron spectroscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the growth of interlayers, with associated period changes influenced by the supply of B and C atoms to the growing compound interlayers. For multilayers with a Mo thickness of 3 nm, two regimes were recognized, depending on the deposited B{sub 4}C thickness: in multilayers with B{sub 4}C {<=} 1.5 nm, the supply of additional Mo into the already formed MoB{sub x}C{sub y} interlayer was dominant and led to densification, resulting in period compaction. For multilayers with B{sub 4}C {>=} 2 nm, the B and C enrichment of interlayers formed low density compounds and yielded period expansion.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

UV photolysis of 4-iodo-, 4-bromo-, and 4-chlorophenol: Competition between C-Y (Y = halogen) and O-H bond fission

The wavelength dependences of C-Y and O-H bond fission following ultraviolet photoexcitation of 4-halophenols (4-YPhOH) have been investigated using a combination of velocity map imaging, H Rydberg atom photofragment translational spectroscopy, and high level spin-orbit resolved electronic structure calculations, revealing a systematic evolution in fragmentation behaviour across the series Y = I, Br, Cl (and F). All undergo O-H bond fission following excitation at wavelengths {lambda} Less-Than-Or-Equivalent-To 240 nm, on repulsive ((n/{pi}){sigma}*) potential energy surfaces (PESs), yielding fast H atoms with mean kinetic energies {approx}11 000 cm{sup -1}. For Y = I and Br, this process occurs in competition with prompt C-I and C-Br bond cleavage on another (n/{pi}){sigma}* PES, but no Cl/Cl* products unambiguously attributable to one photon induced C-Cl bond fission are observed from 4-ClPhOH. Differences in fragmentation behaviour at longer excitation wavelengths are more marked. Prompt C-I bond fission is observed following excitation of 4-IPhOH at all {lambda}{<=} 330 nm; the wavelength dependent trends in I/I* product branching ratio, kinetic energy release, and recoil anisotropy suggest that (with regard to C-I bond fission) 4-IPhOH behaves like a mildly perturbed iodobenzene. Br atoms are observed when exciting 4-BrPhOH at long wavelengths also, but their velocity distributions suggest that dissociation occurs after internal conversion to the ground state. O-H bond fission, by tunnelling (as in phenol), is observed only in the cases of 4-FPhOH and, more weakly, 4-ClPhOH. These observed differences in behaviour can be understood given due recognition of (i) the differences in the vertical excitation energies of the C-Y centred (n/{pi}){sigma}* potentials across the series Y = I < Br < Cl and the concomitant reduction in C-Y bond strength, cf. that of the rival O-H bond, and (ii) the much increased spin-orbit coupling in, particularly, 4-IPhOH. The present results provide (another) reminder of the risks inherent in extrapolating photochemical behaviour measured for one molecule at one wavelength to other (related) molecules and to other excitation energies.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Highly c-axis oriented growth of GaN film on sapphire (0001) by laser molecular beam epitaxy using HVPE grown GaN bulk target

Growth temperature dependant surface morphology and crystalline properties of the epitaxial GaN layers grown on pre-nitridated sapphire (0001) substrates by laser molecular beam epitaxy (LMBE) were investigated in the range of 500–750 °C. The grown GaN films were characterized using high resolution x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). The x-ray rocking curve full width at a half maximum (FWHM) value for (0002) reflection dramatically decreased from 1582 arc sec to 153 arc sec when the growth temperature was increased from 500 °C to 600 °C and the value further decreased with increase of growth temperature up to 720 °C. A highly c-axis oriented GaN epitaxial film was obtained at 720 °C with a (0002) plane rocking curve FWHM value as low as 102 arc sec. From AFM studies, it is observed that the GaN grain size also increased with increasing growth temperature and flat, large lateral grains of size 200-300 nm was obtained for the film grown at 720 °C. The micro-Raman spectroscopy studies also exhibited the high-quality wurtzite nature of GaN film grown on sapphire at 720 °C. The SIMS measurements revealed a non-traceable amount of background oxygen impurity in the grown GaN films. The results show that the growth temperature strongly influences the surface morphology and crystalline quality of the epitaxial GaN films on sapphire grown by LMBE.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electron attachment to C{sub 2} fluorocarbon radicals at high temperature

Thermal electron attachment to the radical species C{sub 2}F{sub 3} and C{sub 2}F{sub 5} has been studied over the temperature range 300–890 K using the Variable Electron and Neutral Density Attachment Mass Spectrometry technique. Both radicals exclusively undergo dissociative attachment to yield F{sup −}. The rate constant for C{sub 2}F{sub 5} shows little dependence over the temperature range, remaining ∼4 × 10{sup −9} cm{sup 3} s{sup −1}. The rate constant for C{sub 2}F{sub 3} attachment rises steeply with temperature from 3 × 10{sup −11} cm{sup 3} s{sup −1} at 300 K to 1 × 10{sup −9} cm{sup 3} s{sup −1} at 890 K. The behaviors of both species at high temperature are in agreement with extrapolations previously made from data below 600 K using a recently developed kinetic modeling approach. Measurements were also made on C{sub 2}F{sub 3}Br and C{sub 2}F{sub 5}Br (used in this work as precursors to the radicals) over the same temperature range, and, for C{sub 2}F{sub 5}Br as a function of electron temperature. The attachment rate constants to both species rise with temperature following Arrhenius behavior. The attachment rate constant to C{sub 2}F{sub 5}Br falls with increasing electron temperature, in agreement with the kinetic modeling. The current data fall in line with past predictions of the kinetic modeling approach, again showing the utility of this simplified approach.

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

Fluorescent of C-dot composite thin films and its properties

In the present work, we report the preparation of a fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-dots) epoxy composite thin films on a glass substrate. C-dots were prepared directly by a simple hydrothermal method using citric acid as a carbon source. The C-dots solutions were mixed with a transparent epoxy resin to form C-dot epoxy composite. Furthermore, the composite precursor was deposited on the glass substrate using a spin coating method in order to fabricate C-dot epoxy composite thin film. The transmittance intensity of C-dot composite film reached up to 90% in the visible light spectra. Using Swanopoel method, the film thickness of fabricated C-dot composite film was determined at about 1.45 μm, a value lies in a typical range needed for a wide range application. Thus, the C-dot composite film is promising in broadening applications in various fields such as energy conversion, optoelectronics, and display technology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Half-metallicity modulation of hybrid BN-C nanotubes by external electric fields: A first-principles study

On the basis of density functional theory, we systematically investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of hybrid BN-C nanotubes, C{sub x}(BN){sub y} where x + y = 12, with and without an external electric field. The BN-C nanotubes are totally distinct from pristine boron-nitride and carbon nanotubes. The electronic properties of C{sub x}(BN){sub y} change significantly with composition: from the nonmagnetic semiconductors to the half-metals. The half-metallicity is attributed to the competition among the band gap, which is related to the width of C domain, the width of BN domain, and the intrinsic polarization field. Application of the external fields can enhance or counterbalance the polarization fields and change the band gaps. The half-metallicity can be modulated. In BN-rich tubes, such as C{sub 2}(BN){sub 10}, the energy gap can be engineered from 0.50 eV to 0.95 eV and in C{sub 3}(BN){sub 9}, the ground state is converted from the nonmagnetic state into the anti-ferro-magnetic one. In other tubes, the half-metallicity can be enhanced or destroyed by different external fields. The modulation indicates that hybrid BN-C nanotubes can work as the components of the spin-filter devices.

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

First principles study on the electronic transport properties of C{sub 60} and B{sub 80} molecular bridges

The electronic transport properties of molecular bridges constructed by C{sub 60} and B{sub 80} molecules which have the same symmetry are investigated by first principles calculations combined with a non-equilibrium Green's function technique. It is found that, like C{sub 60}, monomer B{sub 80} is a good conductor arising from the charge transfer from the leads to the molecule, while the dimer (B{sub 80}){sub 2} and (C{sub 60}){sub 2} are both insulators due to the potential barrier formed at the molecule-molecule interface. Our further study shows that, although both the homogeneous dimer (B{sub 80}){sub 2} and (C{sub 60}){sub 2} display poor conductivity, the heterogeneous dimer B{sub 80}C{sub 60} shows a very high conductance as a result from the decreased HOMO-LUMO gap and the excess charge redistribution. Finally, we find that the conductivity of both (B{sub 80}){sub 2} and (C{sub 60}){sub 2} can be significantly improved by electron doping, for example, by doping C in (B{sub 80}){sub 2} and doping N in (C{sub 60}){sub 2}.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Photodissociation dynamics of C{sub 3}H{sub 5}I in the near-ultraviolet region

The ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of allyl iodide (C{sub 3}H{sub 5}I) have been studied by ion-imaging at 266 nm and 213 nm. These photolysis wavelengths are located in the two lowest absorption bands in the near-ultraviolet region. The atomic iodine products were detected by [2+1] resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy. The spectra showed that the branching fraction for the spin-orbit excited ({sup 2}P{sub 1/2}) state was larger than that for the ground ({sup 2}P{sub 3/2}) state at both photolysis wavelengths. The state-resolved scattering images of iodine showed two maxima in the velocity distributions in the {sup 2}P{sub 3/2} state and a single peak in the {sup 2}P{sub 1/2} state. The spin-orbit specificity indicates that the C−I bond cleavage at both absorption bands is governed by the dissociative n{sub I}σ{sup *}{sub C−I} potential energy surfaces. The nascent internal energy distribution of the allyl radical (C{sub 3}H{sub 5}) counter product, which was obtained by the analysis of the state-resolved scattering distributions, showed a marked difference between the photolysis at 266 nm and 213 nm. The generation of the colder C{sub 3}H{sub 5} with the higher translational energy at 266 nm implied the direct photoexcitation to the n{sub I}σ{sup *}{sub C−I} repulsive surfaces, whereas the internally hot C{sub 3}H{sub 5} at 213 nm was ascribed to the local π{sub CC}π{sup *}{sub CC} photoinitiation in the allyl framework followed by predissociation to the n{sub I}σ{sup *}{sub C−I} states.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗