Distributional uncertainty analysis and robust optimization in spatially heterogeneous multiscale process systems

Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations for heterogeneous catalysis: Fundamentals, current status, and challenges

Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations in combination with first-principles (1p)-based calculations are rapidly becoming the gold-standard computational framework for bridging the gap between the wide range of length scales and time scales over which heterogeneous catalysis unfolds. 1p-KMC simulations provide accurate insights into reactions over surfaces, a vital step toward the rational design of novel catalysts. In this Perspective, we briefly outline basic principles, computational challenges, successful applications, as well as future directions and opportunities of this promising and ever more popular kinetic modeling approach.

A Moving Front Kinetic Monte Carlo Algorithm for Moving Interface Systems

This work presents the development of a new kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm, referred to as Moving Front kinetic Monte Carlo (MFkMC), for simulating processes subject to moving interfaces. This framework is designed to capture the movement of transiently varying interfaces in a kinetic-like manner so that its movement can be described using Monte Carlo sampling. The MFkMC algorithm accomplishes this task by evaluating the behavior of the interfacial molecules and assigning kinetic Monte Carlo-style rate equations that describe the transition probability that a molecule would advance into the neighboring phase, displacing an interfacial molecule from the opposing phase and thus changing the interface. Due to its kinetic Monte Carlo structure, the MFkMC algorithm can additionally account for other important interfacial phenomena, such as interfacial surface reactions. The proposed algorithm was tested via applications to three different simple interfacial case studies. These studies validate the MFkMC algorithm and demonstrate its capabilities to accurately and efficiently simulate a variety of different moving interface systems.