Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yao Chang, Michael N. R. Ashfold, Kaijun Yuan, Xueming Yang
Summary: This review highlights the rich photochemistry of triatomic molecules in the vacuum ultraviolet region and discusses their potential implications for our understanding of interstellar chemistry and molecular evolution in the universe. The study focuses on the photofragmentation dynamics of five triatomic molecules-H2O, H2S, CO2, OCS, and CS2-using the recently constructed VUV free electron laser. The review aims to provide new photochemical insights, explore the implications of this photochemistry for interstellar chemistry, and identify future research directions in chemical reaction dynamics and astrochemistry enabled by VUV-FEL sources.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xinyu Wu, Hailan Lian, Xiaoyu Li
Summary: This study developed lignin nanoparticles with amino functional groups, which were prepared using modified deep eutectic solvents and applied to wood composites for UV shielding. The lignin nanoparticles exhibited UV shielding, photothermal conversion, and photothermal de-icing properties, providing a benchmark for the low-cost and sustainable preparation of UV shielding wood composites using lignin nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mathieu Bertin, Romain Basalgete, Antonio J. Ocana, Geraldine Feraud, Claire Romanzin, Laurent Philippe, Xavier Michaut, Jean-Hugues Fillion
Summary: The UV photon-induced desorption from organics-containing molecular ices in the cold interstellar medium has been experimentally studied. The photodesorption yields of pure and mixed molecular ices containing formic acid and methyl formate were measured using synchrotron radiation. The desorbing species match the photodissociation pattern of each molecule, with little influence of the type of ice. The photodesorption of intact organics is negligible in the experimental conditions.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qian Liu, Zheng Li, Peng Liu, Wenshao Yang, Xueming Yang, Shengrui Yu
Summary: The spin-forbidden O(P-3(2)) + CO(X-1 sigma(+), v) channel formed from the photodissociation of CO2 in the low energy band centered at 148 nm is investigated. The vibrational-resolved images of the O(P-3(2)) photoproducts are analyzed to determine the TKER spectra, CO(X-1 sigma(+)) vibrational state distributions, and anisotropy parameters (beta). The results show the formation of correlated CO(X-1 sigma(+)) with specific vibrational bands and reveal a bimodal structure in the high vibrational bands.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hong Gao
Summary: Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons with wavelengths shorter than 200 nm are crucial in the chemistry of interstellar, circumstellar, and planetary atmospheres. Photodissociation of parent molecular species by VUV photons leads to smaller molecules in excited states, triggering complex chemical networks in these environments. Detailed state-to-state investigations using cutting-edge experimental techniques can provide vital information for modeling the chemical properties of these environments.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Su'e Zhang, Yucheng Wu, Zhaoxue Zhang, Zijie Luo, Yarui Zhao, Zhenxing Li, Yao Chang, Jiayue Yang, Guorong Wu, Weiqing Zhang, Shengrui Yu, Kaijun Yuan, Xueming Yang
Summary: The vibrational-state-specific photodissociation dynamics of CO2 is studied in detail, showing the significant influence of vibrational excitations on the photodissociation process.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haoyu Zhai, Shengyi Zhong, Jian Li, Yuechen Chen, Yuchi Cui, Zhe Chen, Guangai Sun, Haowei Wang
Summary: This study introduces an improved method to evaluate the impact of particle agglomeration on the shielding capability of composite materials, revealing that particle agglomeration can degrade neutron shielding performance. The combination of modeling and experimental results confirms the detrimental effect of particle agglomeration on neutron shielding performance in composites.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Wu, Jingshu Huang, Wanjing Zhao, Qunchao Zhang, Xianwu Cao, Xiaolei Li, Robert K. Y. Li
Summary: In this study, a novel hyper-branched polysiloxane (HBPSi) was synthesized and utilized to modify lignin (lignin@HBPSi) as a biocompatibilizer for PLA/PBAT blends. The incorporation of lignin@HBPSi improved the interfacial compatibility and processing ability of the blends. The resulting composite exhibited superior toughness, enhanced tensile stress, and good UV-shielding properties, making it suitable for packaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hui Fang, Xiaoyun Qi, Shicheng Zhou, Shuhan Yang, Chunjin Hang, Yanhong Tian, Chenxi Wang
Summary: The study introduces vacuum ultraviolet-ozone technology to accelerate PDA polymerization on pure Zinc, reducing the process time to 40 minutes at a moderate pH level and increasing deposition rate significantly. The PLGA/PDA coating enhances corrosion resistance and maintains mechanical properties even after long-term corrosion. Controlled release of Zn2+ contributes to superior in vitro biocompatibility of the material.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Romain Basalgete, Antonio Jesus Ocana, Geraldine Feraud, Claire Romanzin, Laurent Philippe, Xavier Michaut, Jean-Hugues Fillion, Mathieu Bertin
Summary: The study investigates the VUV photodesorption of acetonitrile and its photoproducts from icy surfaces, finding that coadsorption of other molecules does not significantly affect the process. The results suggest that the desorption of acetonitrile molecules occurs after VUV photon absorption, with implications for understanding gas-phase detections of CH3CN in interstellar environments and astrophysical observations. These findings provide valuable insights for astrochemical modeling and highlight the potential importance of VUV photodesorption in diverse regions of space.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aaron C. Martinez, Oliver J. Tye, Caelan M. Frazier, Jeffrey A. Bartz
Summary: Metal nitrosyls are interesting due to their significant geometrical changes in the excited state. Co(CO)3NO is a volatile compound used as a model to study excited-state behavior. In this experiment, Co(CO)3NO was photodissociated and ion images were collected to determine the vector correlations in the photodissociation. The results showed that the fastest NO products came from an excitation parallel to the dissociating Co-NO bond.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ting-ting Cao, Han Cui, Qi-wei Zhang, Chong-wei Cui
Summary: In this study, cobalt-doped and biochar-cocatalyst bismuth oxychloride (Co(II)-BiOCl@biochar) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method, showing high efficiency for the photodegradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) illumination and good stability over multiple cycles. The addition of Co2+ and biochar significantly enhanced the photocatalytic performance of the catalysts, leading to narrow band gap, wide wavelength of the light source, effective separation of e-/h+ pairs, and high photocatalytic activity. The formation of various active species like .OH, h+, e-, .O2-, and eaq- was responsible for the improved performance, as confirmed by radical-trapping experiments.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Peixuan Zhang, Kewei Liu, Yongxue Zhu, Qiu Ai, Jialin Yang, Xing Chen, Zhen Cheng, Binghui Li, Lei Liu, Dezhen Shen
Summary: A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photodetector is realized on polycrystalline AlN film grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The device exhibits low dark current, high rejection ratio, and ultra-fast response speed, while maintaining stability and repeatability at high temperatures. This research is significant for the design and preparation of AlN-based VUV photodetectors.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI-RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hyunmin Oh, Soobin Lee, Hee Tae Beum, Jungil Kim, Jinsu Kim, Suh-Young Lee, In-Beum Lee, Young-Seek Yoon, Sang Sup Han
Summary: This paper presents experimental and numerical approaches to extract carbon monoxide (CO) gas from blast furnace gas (BFG) using a four-bed, six-step CO vacuum-pressure-swing adsorption (VPSA) process. The results show that this method can achieve high CO recovery and purity under the specified conditions. The recovery of CO from emissions by the steel-making industry is of great importance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Physics, Atomic, Molecular & Chemical
Ling Tang, Wentao Chen, Daofu Yuan, Shengrui Yu, Xueming Yang, Xingan Wang
Summary: The vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photodissociation dynamics of carbonyl sulfide were investigated experimentally, revealing different dissociation channels and vibrational states of CO co-products. Anomalous changes in anisotropy parameters were observed, indicating the involvement of different electronic states.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ralf Kaiser, Long Zhao, Wenchao Lu, Musahid Ahmed, Marsel Zagidullin, Valeriy N. Azyazov, Alexander M. Mebel
Summary: Resonantly stabilized free radicals are considered fundamental molecular building blocks in the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and carbonaceous nanoparticles. Research has shown the formation of benzene and naphthalene through specific reactions at elevated temperatures, providing important insights into organic hydrocarbon chemistry in high temperature circumstellar environments and combustion systems.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenchao Lu, Cameron J. Mackie, Bo Xu, Martin Head-Gordon, Musahid Ahmed
Summary: This paper investigates the ionization and solvation processes of glycerol-water clusters and reveals the hydrogen bond network and interaction energies in these clusters through experimental and computational methods. The experimental results show that the composition of the clusters and the water concentration affect the mass spectrum, while the computational results reveal interesting barrierless chemical processes. These findings are important for understanding the chemical processes of alcohol-water ices in the interstellar medium.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao He, Ralf I. Kaiser, Wenchao Lu, Musahid Ahmed, Pavel S. Pivovarov, Oleg V. Kuznetsov, Marsel V. Zagidullin, Alexander M. Mebel
Summary: Researchers have discovered a unconventional mechanism of reaction in which benzyl and phenyl radicals react to produce a specific isomer of the simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), called 9H-fluorene, in the gas phase. The structure of 9H-fluorene provides fundamental insights into the evolution of hydrocarbons in high temperature settings and its potential use as a molecular building block for complex curved nanostructures.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chaya Weeraratna, Xiaochen Tang, Oleg Kostko, Vi H. Rapp, Lara A. Gundel, Hugo Destaillats, Musahid Ahmed
Summary: A new generation of electronic cigarettes with acidifying additives exacerbates the youth vaping epidemic. The behavior of nicotine in vaping aerosols was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. It was found that nicotine in the core of aqueous particles is partially protonated and further protonated by acidification. However, the degree of nicotine protonation at the particle surface is significantly lower. The presence of propylene glycol and glycerol completely eliminates nicotine protonation at the surface.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao He, Ralf I. Kaiser, Wenchao Lu, Musahid Ahmed, Yahaira Reyes, Stanislaw F. Wnuk, Alexander M. Mebel
Summary: The gas-phase reaction between the 1-indenyl radical and the cyclopentadienyl radical was studied using synchrotron-based mass spectrometry coupled with a pyrolytic reactor. The isomer selective production of phenanthrene, anthracene, and benzofulvalene was identified through soft photoionization with tunable vacuum ultraviolet photons. Our findings challenge the classical theory regarding the combination of radicals and provide insight into the evolution of the cosmic carbon budget.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ryan Reynolds, Musahid Ahmed, Kevin R. Wilson
Summary: Criegee intermediates (CIs) play a crucial role in the ozonolysis of unsaturated organic compounds, controlling the formation of small fragmentation products and higher molecular weight oligomeric compounds. The reaction of CI with carboxylic acids (RCOOH) to produce oligomeric alpha-acyloxyalkyl hydroperoxides (AAHPs) is of interest to the chemical transformation of organic compounds in the atmosphere. The rate of this reaction in condensed phases, however, is still uncertain.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cameron J. J. Mackie, Wenchao Lu, Jiashu Liang, Oleg Kostko, Biswajit Bandyopadhyay, Ishan Gupta, Musahid Ahmed, Martin Head-Gordon
Summary: The stability and distributions of small water clusters generated in a supersonic beam expansion were studied using tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation generated at a synchrotron. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed enhanced population of protonated water clusters (H+(H2O)( n )) based on ionization energy and photoionization distance from source, indicating the presence of magic numbers below n = 21 commonly reported in the literature. The VUV threshold photoionization of neutral water clusters near the nozzle exit resulted in a different nonequilibrium state compared to a skimmed molecular beam, leading to the discovery of a new magic number at 14.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Souvick Biswas, Dababrata Paul, Chao He, Nureshan Dias, Musahid Ahmed, Michelle L. Pantoya, Ralf I. Kaiser
Summary: Researchers have discovered an active heterogeneous surface chemistry between aluminum nanoparticles (AlNPs) and alumina in hydrocarbon jet fuels, which challenges previous understanding of alumina’s reactivity.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Musahid Ahmed, Wenchao Lu
Summary: Understanding the origins of structure and bonding at the molecular level in complex chemical systems is crucial in physical chemistry. This study utilizes vibrational spectroscopy, X-ray techniques, microreactors, and aerosol beams to investigate intricate interactions such as hydrogen bonding, proton transfer, and noncovalent interactions. Various spectroscopy methods provide insights into the self-assembly and growth processes of different chemical systems. Future directions in studying hydrogen-bond networks in deep eutectic solvents and organic frameworks are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao He, Ralf I. Kaiser, Wenchao Lu, Musahid Ahmed, Vladislav S. Krasnoukhov, Pavel S. Pivovarov, Marsel V. Zagidullin, Valeriy N. Azyazov, Alexander N. Morozov, Alexander M. Mebel
Summary: Using a microchemical reactor and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, it is discovered that the reaction between benzyl and propargyl radicals synthesizes the simplest representative of PAHs, naphthalene. This reveals a novel Propargyl Addition-BenzAnnulation (PABA) mechanism and provides important insights into the origin of aromatic substances in the universe.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alon Zamir, Estefania Rossich Molina, Musahid Ahmed, Tamar Stein
Summary: This computational study investigates water cluster confinement within small finite polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results serve as a model for understanding confinement in larger systems and provide insights into molecular interactions in confined systems.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenchao Lu, Emily Zhang, Jin Qian, Chaya Weeraratna, Megan N. Jackson, Chenhui Zhu, Jeffrey R. Long, Musahid Ahmed
Summary: This study investigated the crystallization and growth mechanism of the metal-organic framework Co-MOF-74 within microscopic volumes using wide-angle X-ray scattering and vibrational spectroscopy. The experiments revealed the molecular and structural details of the growth process, and the reduction in reagent volume in the microchip reactor accelerated the reaction rate. The synthesis of the metal-organic framework in microscopic volumes resulted in monodisperse and micron-sized crystals, which differed from those typically observed under bulk reaction conditions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ralf I. Kaiser, Long Zhao, Wenchao Lu, Musahid Ahmed, Mikhail M. Evseev, Valeriy N. Azyazov, Alexander M. Mebel, Rana K. Mohamed, Felix R. Fischer, Xiaohu Li
Summary: This study provides compelling evidence for a barrierless, low-temperature pathway leading to racemates of [5] and [6]helicene, utilizing synchrotron based molecular beam photoionization mass spectrometry combined with electronic structure calculations. The results suggest a potential pathway for future astronomical observations and contribute to a fundamental understanding of the origins of homochirality on early Earth.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Estefania Rossich Molina, Bo Xu, Oleg Kostko, Musahid Ahmed, Tamar Stein
Summary: This study investigates the interactions between anthracene monomers and dimers with water cluster systems. The analysis shows that water tends to remain clustered around PAHs and is confined in specific cases, depending on the size and structure of the PAH.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenchao Lu, Chandika Amarasinghe, Emily Zhang, Andrew Martin, Sumanjeet Kaur, Ravi Prasher, Musahid Ahmed
Summary: Understanding phase changes in hydrogen-bonded solid-state systems is crucial for thermal science and medical therapeutics. Different spectroscopic techniques can provide a detailed molecular picture of these changes in polyols and other substances.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
