Computer Calculations Research Articles

DECOMPOSITION MECHANISM OF ALKYLIDENE BRIDGED TETRAZOLES WITH DIFFERENT CARBON CHAIN LENGTHS

Nitrogen‐rich heterocycles, particularly tetrazole‐based high‐energy density materials (HEDMs) offer high performance, low sensitivity, and are eco‐friendly. Despite the diversity of nitrogen‐rich energetic heterocycles, many are sensitive to external stimuli, and the introduction of a methylene, ethylene, or C‐C linkage between nitrogen‐rich heterocycles is a successful strategy to improve mechanical sensitivity and thermal stability. Understanding the potential anomalous thermal or kinetic behavior of such molecules is crucial for the design of new HEDMs and practical applications of these molecules. We have investigated the influence of introducing an alkylidene bridge between the energetic nitrogen heterocycles on the decomposition mechanism and pathway of different bridged tetrazoles, namely 5,5'‐Bis‐1H‐tetrazole, 1,2‐Bis(5‐tetrazolo)methane, and 1,2‐Bis(5‐tetrazolo)ethane, using thermal experiments, mass spectrometry, and computational analysis. Kinetic parameters were evaluated using a non‐linear integral method, and decomposition pathways were proposed based on mass fragmentation data. Stability comparisons were made using HOMO‐LUMO gap and electrostatic potential (ESP) values from computational calculations.

Comparison of methods for diagnosing marine IC engines based on working medium parameters including exhaust gas specific enthalpy

Article points out methods currently used to diagnose marine engines in operation. The development of tools and programs for implementing these methods was pointed out. The problem of unsatisfactory measurement susceptibility of marine engines was highlighted. Three methods of parametric diagnosis are presented: measurement of in-cylinder parameters and in exhaust gas duct, numerical simulation due to computer software and calculations based on Wibe function. Unfitness states that were analyzed during tests are presented: reduced injection pressure, obstructed intake air duct and reduced compression ratio. The specific enthalpy of the exhaust gas within one engine cycle was determined as a new diagnostic parameter. As a supplement, thermograms of the engine in various states of inoperability were presented. The obtained results were compared and a series of conclusions derived from them were presented. It was evaluated that numerical simulation is an excellent tool for planning experimental studies. Tests on the engine in operation were found to be the most diagnostically reliable.

Thermal characteristics of LiMnxFe1-xPO4 (x = 0, 0.6) cathode materials for safe lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have recently gained attention as energy storage devices due to their high energy densities and various applications. Layered Ni-Mn-Co-based cathode materials are widely used for their high energy density; however, their high cost necessitates the exploration of alternatives. Consequently, olivine-type LiMnxFe1-xPO4 materials are gaining popularity and are being increasingly adopted. While the synthesis methods and electrochemical properties of these materials have been extensively studied, thermal analyses remain limited. In this study, we investigated the thermal properties of olivine-type LiMnxFe1-xPO4 by combining thermal analysis, structural analysis, and computational calculations to evaluate the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Our results show that the formation energy of LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4 is more stable than that of LiFePO4. As temperature increases, LiFePO4 decomposes at 350 °C, whereas LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4 begins to decompose at 450 °C. The P-O bond plays a crucial role in the thermal stability of these materials; as the temperature rises, the thermal stability of the PO4 group diminishes, leading to structural decomposition. To enhance thermal stability, it is recommended to experiment with doping small amounts of various elements at the P site. This paper provides valuable insights for the design and development of thermally stable olivine-structured cathodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Synthesis and Characterization of CaO nanoparticles from Periwinkle shell for the Treatment of Tetracycline-contaminated Water by Adsorption and Photocatalyzed Degradation

Due to the ever-increasing discharge of antibiotic residues into different water bodies, there is a significant need to improve existing water treatment methods. In this study, we synthesized calcium oxide nanoparticles from periwinkle shells using the sol-gel method for applications in the adsorption and photodegradation of tetracycline from wastewater. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, UV-Visble spectroscopy, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, BET and TGA/DTA. The nanostructure produced showed strong crystalline, optical, structural and surface properties. With an average crystallite size of 25 nm, particle size of 2.09 nm, BET surface area of 582.68 m2/g, specific surface area of 90.08 m2/g, bandgap of 4.8 eV and other properties that supported their functionality as adsorbent and photocatalyst for the removal of tetracycline residue from water. The adsorption experiment gave a maximum efficiency of about 80% while the photodegradation catalysed by the nanoparticles indicated efficiency up to 97%. Both adsorption and photodegradation showed strong dependency on pH, tetracycline concentration, catalyst load and concentration of KI. Response surface analysis and subsequent experimental validation indicated that degradation approaching 100% for tetracycline is feasible under optimum conditions involving concentration = 500 ppm, time = 50 min, catalyst load = 1.25 g and KI concentration = 0.25 M. Computational calculations gave results that are in good match with experimental data and further proved that the degradation is limited by adsorption and is majorly controlled by oxidation facilitated by O2*.

Physical properties of Korean normal aortic valves based on fluid–structure interactions

Recently, numerical methods such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), have been widely used in heart valve research. The CFD approach has fewer restrictions compared to clinical and experimental methods as it involves interpretations through computer calculations, and it can be used to predict and analyze fluids. For valve numerical analysis using CFD, the mechanical properties of the valve must be defined based on the physical properties. However, most of the existing heart valve numerical analysis studies have been conducted for westerners, and only a few studies on the same topic have focused on Asians. Thus, in this paper, we aim to determine the physical property parameters suitable for defining the mechanical properties of the normal aortic valves of Koreans over time. In this study, we used a fluid−structure interaction technique for the valve simulation and applied three representative valve characteristics presented in previous aortic valve simulation studies. Herein, the valve patency rates in case of simulation and multidetector computed tomography images were compared and analyzed through statistical techniques. Our results revealed that the physical properties, such as density (1050 kg/m3), Young’s modulus (2 MPa), and Poisson’s ratio (0.3), are like those of the Korean aortic valve over time. If hemodynamic evaluation of the Korean aortic valve is performed through simulation using these conditions, it can be effective in identifying the factors of heart valve disease.

Uncovering Integrated Dual-State ESIPT-Conductivity, Redox-Capacity, and Opto-Electronic Responses Toward Hg(II)/ Cr(III) of Aliphatic Fluorescent Polymers.

Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-associated dual-state emissive aliphatic dual-light emitting conducting polymers (DLECPs) having oxidation-reduction capacities are prepared polymerizing 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-1-sulfonic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-methyl-3-(N-(2-methyl-1-sulfopropan-2-yl)acrylamido)propanoic acid monomers. Of as-synthesized DLECPs, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, fluorescent enhancements (I/I0), and computational investigation indicate intriguing photophysical features in DLECP3 (optimum composition). In DLECP3, ─CONH─, ─CON<, and ─COOH subluminophores are recognized by density-functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent-DFT calculations and experimental investigations. ESIPT-associated dual-state emission/conductivity, aggregation-enhanced emissions, selective opto-electronic responses toward Hg(II)/Cr(III) at 437/574nm, and redox properties of DLECP3 are supported by solid-state/solution spectroscopies, time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements, dual-state excitation dependent emissions, microscopic images, electrochemical measurements, and DFT calculations. Here, preferential interaction of Hg(II)/Cr(III) with DLECP3 (amide)/DLECP3 (imidol) and reduction/oxidation of Hg(II)/Cr(III) to Hg(I)/Cr(VI) are substantiated by UV-vis, FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies; TCSPC measurements; NMR-titration; electrochemical studies; alongside computational calculations. The proton-electrical conductivities of DLECP3, Hg(II/I)-DLECP3, and Cr(III/VI)-DLECP3 in solids/solutions are 15.27 × 10-5/6.16 × 10-5, 19.60 × 10-5/25.52 × 10-5, and 26.69 × 10-5/27.60 × 10-5 S cm-1, respectively.

Efficient Ground-State Recovery of UV-Photoexcited p-Nitrophenol in Aqueous Solution by Direct and Multistep Pathways.

Nitroaromatic compounds are found in brown carbon aerosols emitted to the Earth's atmosphere by biomass burning, and are important organic chromophores for the absorption of solar radiation. Here, transient absorption spectroscopy spanning 100 fs-8 μs is used to explore the pH-dependent photochemical pathways for aqueous solutions of p-nitrophenol, chosen as a representative nitroaromatic compound. Broadband ultrafast UV-visible and infrared probes are used to characterize the excited states and intermediate species involved in the multistep photochemistry, and to determine their lifetimes under different pH conditions. The assignment of absorption bands, and the dynamical interpretation of our experimental measurements are supported by computational calculations. After 320 nm photoexcitation to the first bright state, which has 1ππ* character in the Franck-Condon region, and ultrafast (∼200 fs) structural relaxation in the adiabatic S1 state to a region with 1nπ* electronic character, the S1 p-nitrophenol population decays on a time scale of ∼12 ps. This decay involves competition between direct internal conversion to the S0 state (∼40%) and rapid intersystem crossing to the triplet manifold (∼60%). Population in the T1-state decays by excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) to the surrounding water and relaxation of the resulting triplet-state p-nitrophenolate anion to its S0 electronic ground state in ∼5 ns. Reprotonation of the S0-state p-nitrophenolate anion recovers p-nitrophenol in its electronic ground state. Overall recovery of the S0 state of aqueous p-nitrophenol via these competing pathways is close to 100% efficient. The experimental observations help to explain why nitroaromatic compounds such as p-nitrophenol resist photo-oxidative degradation in the environment.

Mesostructure‐Specific Configuration of *CO Adsorption for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to C2+ Products

AbstractThe multi‐carbon (C2+) alcohols produced by electrochemical CO2 reduction, such as ethanol and n‐propanol, are considered as indispensable liquid energy carriers. In most C−C coupling cases, however, the concomitant gaseous C2H4 product results in the low selectivity of C2+ alcohols. Here, we report rational construction of mesostructured CuO electrocatalysts, specifically mesoporous CuO (m‐CuO) and cylindrical CuO (c‐CuO), enables selective distribution of C2+ products. The m‐CuO and c‐CuO show similar selectivity towards total C2+ products (≥76 %), but the corresponding predominant products are C2+ alcohols (55 %) and C2H4 (52 %), respectively. The ordered mesostructure not only induces the surface hydrophobicity, but selectively tailors the adsorption configuration of *CO intermediate: m‐CuO prefers bridged adsorption, whereas c‐CuO favors top adsorption as revealed by in situ spectroscopies. Computational calculations unravel that bridged *CO adsorbate is prone to deep protonation into *OCH3 intermediate, thus accelerating the coupling of *CO and *OCH3 intermediates to generate C2+ alcohols; by contrast, top *CO adsorbate is apt to undergo conventional C−C coupling process to produce C2H4. This work illustrates selective C2+ products distribution via mesostructure manipulation, and paves a new path into the design of efficient electrocatalysts with tunable adsorption configuration of key intermediates for targeted products.

Synthesis and evaluation of new mono- and binuclear salen complexes for the Cα-alkylation reaction of amino acid substrates as chiral phase transfer catalysts

In this study, we present a series of Zn(II) mono- and Cu(II) binuclear salen complexes synthesized and assessed for their effectiveness in the Cα-alkylation reaction. Through systematic experimentation, it was observed that the introduction of a methoxy group at position 3 of the phenyl group in the salicylidene ligand led to a notable enhancement in asymmetric yield, while an allyl group reduced yield. Computational DFT calculations supported the involvement of the binuclear complex in the transition state of the reaction, elucidating the underlying mechanisms governing the observed catalytic behavior. A newly synthesized binuclear complex exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity compared to its mononuclear counterpart which could potentially be explained by increased intramolecular rigidity. This comprehensive investigation not only advances our understanding of structure-activity relationships in chiral salen complexes but also provides valuable insights for the rational design and optimization of catalysts for the asymmetric Cα-alkylation reaction.

DFT and AIMD Evaluation of Boron‐Doped Biphenylene as an Anode Material in Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractDesign and proposal of high‐efficiency anode materials are crucial for the development of batteries with enhanced power and energy density, a key factor in their commercialization. This study presents a comparative theoretical study to evaluate the potential of boron‐doped biphenylene (B‐BP) as an anode electrode in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Current research investigates the impact of boron doping on the structural, electronic, and stability properties of pristine biphenylene. Computational calculations reveal strong interactions between charge carriers (Li and Na atoms) and the proposed anode with a charge transfer from Li/Na atom to the surface. According to kinetic studies, a low energy barrier for charge carrier diffusion has been obtained which makes it a promising candidate for fast‐charge battery applications. Theoretical capacity calculations show that B‐BP outperforms graphite as the commercial case of anode material, with calculated values of 560.67 mAh g−1 for Li and 934.45 mAh g−1 for Na storage.

Talaroterpenoids A-F: Six New Seco-Terpenoids from the Marine-Derived Fungus Talaromyces aurantiacus.

Six new highly oxidized seco-terpenoids, including three 3-nor-labdane type diterpenes, talaroterpenoids A-C (1-3), and three meroterpenoids containing an orthoester group, talaroterpenoids D-F (6-8), together with five known compounds (4-5 and 9-11), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Talaromyces aurantiacus. Their chemical structures were elucidated through 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, J-based configuration analysis (JBCA), computational ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 contain an unusual 6,20-γ-lactone-bridged scaffold. Compounds 10 and 11 presented inhibitory effects on NO release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 cells with IC50 values of 11.47 and 11.32 μM, respectively. Talaroterpenoid C (3) showed moderate antifungal activity against A. alternata and P. theae Steyaert.

Unveiling the therapeutic potential of azopyridine derivatives for trypsin inhibition: a DFT and In-Vitro approach

Heterocyclic azo derivatives have emerged as promising scaffolds for drug development. This study focused on the synthesis, computational analysis, and biological evaluation of a series of azopyridine derivatives (1a, 1d, 1 g, 1 h, 1 m, 1p, and 1s) as potential trypsin inhibitors. Density Functional Theory calculations indicated that derivative 1 h exhibited the lowest HOMO-LUMO energy gap 3.167 eV and was characterised as a soft molecule, suggesting strong binding capabilities. Molecular docking studies confirmed that 1 h binds favourably to the active site of trypsin with a glide score of −6.581 kcal/mol and binding energy of −29.95 kcal/mol. Along with docking studies, the stability of the trypsin-1 h complex was further analyzed using molecular dynamic simulations at 200 ns. The results showed that the ligand molecule 1 h bound strongly at the active site of trypsin. In-vitro enzyme assays determined the IC50 value of the molecule as 100 µM, demonstrating enhanced potency. These results indicate that AzPy derivatives, particularly 1 h, hold considerable promise as therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders and cancer, paving the way for further exploration in drug development and targeted therapies. Further research is warranted to explore 1h’s efficacy, safety, and structure-activity relationships. Highlights: DFT studies were used to classify molecules based on their softness and hardness. Molecular docking, simulation, and in-vitro studies have identified potential anti-trypsin activity of candidate molecules. Experimental and computational calculations were in close agreement.

A novel real-time tension distribution method for cable-driven parallel robots

Abstract The tension distribution problem of cable-driven parallel robots is inevitable in real-time control. Currently, iterative algorithms or geometric algorithms are commonly used to solve this problem. Iterative algorithms are difficult to improve in real-time performance, and the tension obtained by geometric algorithms may not be continuous. In this paper, a novel tension distribution method for four-cable, 3-DOF cable-driven parallel robots is proposed based on the wave equation. The tension calculated by this method is continuous and differentiable, without the need for iterative computation or geometric centroid calculations, thus exhibiting good real-time performance. Furthermore, the feasibility and rationality of this algorithm are theoretically proven. Finally, the real-time performance and continuity of cable tension are analyzed through a specific numerical example.

Releasing Preferentially Sequestered Na+ from Its Confinement by Beauvericin: A Single Water Molecule is the Accomplice.

Beauvericin (Bv) is a natural ionophore capable of transporting ions across biological membranes. Mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy show that Bv specifically captures sodium ions with a unique 6-fold coordination in its cavity, which illustrates how ions are carried through the membrane. But with no reports on how ions are released from Bv at the interface, a complete picture of the ion transport process has yet to be established. In this study, conformational changes of Bv complexes with alkali metal ions upon hydration were investigated using infrared spectroscopy and computational calculations. The addition of a single water molecule to Na+Bv pries the ion away from the 6-fold cavity to the amide face of the ionophore, evidence of the first step of ion release. In contrast, there is little impact on the other M+Bv complexes, with the ion bound to the three carbonyl groups on the amide face. Analysis of the carbonyl C═O and water OH stretching modes reveals the competition between ion-ionophore, ion-water, and water-ionophore interactions and demonstrates how water actively participates in ion transport by initiating ion release from the ionophore.

Eu(III) complexes derived from 2-quinolinecarbohydrazide Schiff base ligand, relations between structure and luminescence properties

A series of Eu(III) complexes were obtained following the template condensation of 2-quinolinecarbohydrazide and 2,6-diacetylpyridine, namely: [Eu(H2pbqh)(NO3)3]·MeOH (1), [Eu(Hpqh)(NO3)3]·2MeCN (2), [Eu(H2pbqh)(SCN2)(MeOH)2](SCN) (3) and [Eu2(pbqh)2(NO3)2(H2O)2]·2.5MeOH (4). The structures of complexes and a new H2pbqh ligand (N',N'''-((1E,1′E)-pyridine-2,6-diylbis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(quinoline-2- carbohydrazides)) were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. H2pbqh coordinate pentadentate ONNNO and forms mononuclear complexes 1 and 3. The bis-deprotonated ligand pbqh2- act as hexadentate/bridging mode generates the binuclear complex in 4. The partially condensed ligand Hpqh, tetradentate ONNO, was recorded in complex 2. The crystallographic results reveals that the coordinated H2pbqh/Hpqh ligands and Eu3+ cation form a planar structure in these complexes and nitrate anions coordinate chelate, completing the coordination sphere of Eu3+. The solid state photoluminescent emission was investigated highlighting the nitrate complexes 1 and 2 that exhibit red intense luminescence (λmax = 618 nm). Moreover, the computational calculations reveal different pathways of energy transfer from ligand to Eu3+ electronic states explaining the luminescent behavior.

Plasmon-Driven Highly Selective CO2 Photoreduction to C2H4 on Ionic Liquid-Mediated Copper Nanowires.

Selective CO2 photoreduction to value-added multi-carbon (C2+) feedstocks, such as C2H4, holds great promise in direct solar-to-chemical conversion for a carbon-neutral future. Nevertheless, the performance is largely inhibited by the high energy barrier of C-C coupling process, thereby leading to C2+ products with low selectivity. Here we report that through facile surface immobilization of a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM-BF4) ionic liquid, plasmonic Cu nanowires could enable highly selective CO2 photoreduction to C2H4 product. At an optimal condition, the resultant plasmonic photocatalyst exhibits C2H4 production with selectivity up to 96.7 % under 450 nm monochromatic light irradiation, greatly surpassing its pristine Cu counterpart. Combined in situ spectroscopies and computational calculations unravel that the addition of EMIM-BF4 ionic liquid modulates the local electronic structure of Cu, resulting in its enhanced adsorption strength of *CO intermediate and significantly reduced energy barrier of C-C coupling process. This work paves new path for Cu surface plasmons in selective artificial photosynthesis to targeted products.

Prediction of Threonine-Tyrosine Kinase Receptor-Ligand Unbinding Kinetics with Multiscale Milestoning and Metadynamics.

Accurately describing protein-ligand binding and unbinding kinetics remains challenging. Computational calculations are difficult and costly, while experimental measurements often lack molecular detail and can be unobtainable. Here, we extend our multiscale milestoning method, Simulation-Enabled Estimation of Kinetics Rates (SEEKR), with metadynamics molecular dynamics simulations to yield accurate small molecule drug residence times. Using the pharmaceutically relevant threonine-tyrosine kinase (TTK) and eight long-residence-time (tens of seconds to hours) inhibitors, we demonstrate accurate prediction of absolute and rank-ordered ligand residence times and free energies of binding.

Magic-Angle Exciton Coupling in a Molecular Solid: Optical Consequence of Null-Coulombic Coupling.

Instances of magic angle excitonic coupling and its optical consequences are infrequently documented in the literature, yet they hold fundamental significance in understanding excited state electronic processes within molecular aggregates. Weak/null long-range dipolar Coulombic coupling is the characteristic of chromophore arrays positioned in a magic angle configuration. This study presents a rare example of such phenomena in CF3DPT solids, resulting in a high fluorescence quantum efficiency of 62 ± 3% in the aggregated solid state. Supported by computational calculations, we validate our experimental findings of null-Coulombic coupling and significant charge transfer (CT) coupling within the solid state.

Improved Charge Recombination Efficiency in Organic Light‐Emitting Transistors via Luminescent Radicals

AbstractLuminescent radicals are attracting attention as emitters in electroluminescent devices thanks to the exploitation of doublet excitons. Recent studies reveal that exciton formation in radical organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) primarily occurs through a charge trapping mechanism. Although typically detrimental for OLEDs, this might be a key process to elucidate light emission in organic light‐emitting transistors (OLETs). Here, a unipolar n‐type architecture suitable for the implementation of radical emitters is introduced, designed based on computational calculations. The operation of the as‐realized devices incorporating the newly synthesized [2,6‐dichloro‐4‐(2,6‐dimethoxyphenyl)phenyl](3,5‐dichloro‐4‐pyridyl) (2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)methyl radical is investigated via transient electroluminescence measurements to demonstrate the occurrence of long‐living emission ascribed to the charge trapping mechanisms. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the processes governing radical‐OLET is obtained by recording complete 2D maps of both optical and electrical response of the device as a function of applied voltages. Notably, the trapping of electrons by radical moieties is demonstrated to generate a negative charge density in the emissive layer that facilitates holes to be injected: increasing the balance of opposite charge carriers, a tenfold enhancement of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) at the proper source‐drain and source‐gate voltage conditions is reported to reach a maximum EQE value of 0.2%.

Photoluminescent and Electrochemiluminescent Detection of Fe3+ Using Cyclometalated Iridium Complexes via Fe3+-Catalyzed Hydrolysis.

Ferric ion (Fe3+) is a biologically abundant and important metal ion. We developed several cyclometalated iridium complex-based molecular sensors (1, ppy-1, 1-phen, 1a, and 1-OMe) for the detection of Fe3+ using an acetal moiety as the reaction site. The acetal moiety in iridium complexes undergoes Fe3+-catalyzed hydrolysis and subsequent formation of a formyl group, resulting in turn-off photoluminescent and electrochemiluminescent responses. Sensor 1 showed excellent selectivity toward Fe3+ over other biologically important metal ions. Furthermore, we compared the performance of the sensors based on the structural differences of the iridium complexes, and revealed a relationship between the structure and chemical properties through electrochemical experiments and computational calculations.