1
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Sano M, Kamei K, Yatsuhashi T, Sakota K. Localization and Orientation of Dye Molecules at the Surface of a Levitated Microdroplet in Air Revealed by Whispering Gallery Mode Resonances. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:8133-8141. [PMID: 39087939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microdroplets offer unique environments that accelerate chemical reactions; however, the mechanisms behind these processes remain debated. The localization and orientation of solute molecules near the droplet surface have been proposed as factors for this acceleration. Since significant reaction acceleration has been observed for electrospray- and sonic-spray-generated aerosol droplets, the analysis of microdroplets in air has become essential. Here, we utilized whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances to investigate the localization and orientation of dissolved rhodamine B (RhB) in a levitated microdroplet (∼3 μm in diameter) in air. Fluorescence enhancement upon resonance with the WGMs revealed the localization and orientation of RhB near the droplet surface. Numerical modeling using Mie theory quantified the RhB orientation at 68° to the surface normal, with a small fraction randomly oriented inside the droplet. Additionally, low RhB concentrations increased surface localization. These results support the significance of surface reactions in the acceleration of microdroplet reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoya Sano
- Division of Molecular Material Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138, Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Kota Kamei
- Division of Molecular Material Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138, Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yatsuhashi
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138, Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakota
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138, Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
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2
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Qiu L, Li X, Holden DT, Cooks RG. Reaction acceleration at the surface of a levitated droplet by vapor dosing from a partner droplet. Chem Sci 2024; 15:12277-12283. [PMID: 39118618 PMCID: PMC11304536 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc03528c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical reactions in micrometer-sized droplets can be accelerated by up to six orders of magnitude. However, this acceleration factor (ratio of rate constants relative to bulk) drops to less than 10 for millimeter-sized droplets due to the reduction in surface/volume ratio. To enhance the acceleration in millimeter-sized droplets, we use a new synthesis platform that directly doses reagent vapor onto the reaction droplet surface from a second levitated droplet. Using Katritzky transamination as a model reaction, we made quantitative measurements on size-controlled vapor-dosed droplets, revealing a 31-fold increase in reaction rate constants when examining the entire droplet contents. This enhancement is attributed to a greater reaction rate constant in the droplet surface region (estimated as 105 times greater than that for the bulk). The capability for substantial reaction acceleration in large droplets highlights the potential for rapid synthesis of important chemicals at useful scales. For example, we successfully prepared 23 pyridinium salts within minutes. This efficiency positions droplets as an exceptional platform for rapid, in situ catalyst synthesis. This is illustrated by the preparation of pyridinium salts as photocatalysts and their subsequent use in mediation of amine oxidation both within the same droplet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqi Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University 560 Oval Drive West Lafayette Indiana 47907 USA
| | - Xilai Li
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University 560 Oval Drive West Lafayette Indiana 47907 USA
| | - Dylan T Holden
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University 560 Oval Drive West Lafayette Indiana 47907 USA
| | - R Graham Cooks
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University 560 Oval Drive West Lafayette Indiana 47907 USA
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3
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Li Y, Ding J, Qin W. Enhanced Selectivity in Microdroplet-Mediated Enzyme Catalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 39073863 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c06171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Natural enzymes with enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity have long been studied by tuning the microenvironment around the active site, but how to modulate the active-site electric field in a simple fashion remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate that microdroplets as a simple yet versatile reactor can enhance the electric field at the active site of an enzyme. By using horseradish peroxidase as a model, improved selectivity in microdroplet-mediated enzyme catalysis can be obtained. Quantum mechanical/molecular dynamics calculations and vibrational Stark spectroscopy reveal that the electric field at the microdroplet interface can influence the electrostatic preorganization and orientation of the enzyme to enhance its internal electric field. As a result, the free energies of the substrate and heme can be tuned by the internal electric field, thereby changing its catalytic reaction pathway for a classical substrate, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, and enabling selective C-N additions for specific substrates. This finding provides a green, simple, and effective way to modulate enzyme-catalyzed reactions and holds promise for a broad spectrum of biosensing and biosynthesis applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jiawang Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Wei Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P. R. China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, P. R. China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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4
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Zhang P, Feng M, Xu X. Double-Layer Distribution of Hydronium and Hydroxide Ions in the Air-Water Interface. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2024; 4:336-346. [PMID: 39069983 PMCID: PMC11274287 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.3c00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The acid-base nature of the aqueous interface has long been controversial. Most macroscopic experiments suggest that the air-water interface is basic based on the detection of negative charges at the interface that indicates the enrichment of hydroxides (OH-), whereas microscopic studies mostly support the acidic air-water interface with the observation of hydronium (H3O+) accumulation in the top layer of the interface. It is crucial to clarify the interfacial preference of OH- and H3O+ ions for rationalizing the debate. In this work, we perform deep potential molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the preferential distribution of OH- and H3O+ ions at the aqueous interfaces. The neural network potential energy surface is trained based on density functional theory calculations with the SCAN functional, which can accurately describe the diffusion of these two ions both in the interface and in the bulk water. In contrast to the previously reported single ion enrichment, we show that both OH- and H3O+ surprisingly prefer to accumulate in interfaces but at different interfacial depths, rendering a double-layer ionic distribution within ∼1 nm near the Gibbs dividing surface. The H3O+ preferentially resides in the topmost layer of the interface, but the OH-, which is enriched in the deeper interfacial layer, has a higher equilibrium concentration due to the more negative free energy of interfacial stabilization [-0.90 (OH-) vs -0.56 (H3O+) kcal/mol]. The present finding of the ionic double-layer distribution may qualitatively offer a self-consistent explanation for the long-term controversy about the acid-base nature of the air-water interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Center
for Combustion Energy, Department of Energy and Power Engineering,
and Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry
of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Muye Feng
- School
of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Nanjing
Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xuefei Xu
- Center
for Combustion Energy, Department of Energy and Power Engineering,
and Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry
of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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5
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Vannoy KJ, Edwards MQ, Renault C, Dick JE. An Electrochemical Perspective on Reaction Acceleration in Microdroplets. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2024; 17:149-171. [PMID: 38594942 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061622-030919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Analytical techniques operating at the nanoscale introduce confinement as a tool at our disposal. This review delves into the phenomenon of accelerated reactivity within micro- and nanodroplets. A decade of accelerated reactivity observations was succeeded by several years of fundamental studies aimed at mechanistic enlightenment. Herein, we provide a brief historical context for rate enhancement in and around micro- and nanodroplets and summarize the mechanisms that have been proposed to contribute to such extraordinary reactivity. We highlight recent electrochemical reports that make use of restricted mass transfer to enhance electrochemical reactions and/or quantitatively measure reaction rates within droplet-confined electrochemical cells. A comprehensive approach to nanodroplet reactivity is paramount to understanding how nature takes advantage of these systems to provide life on Earth and, in turn, how to harness the full potential of such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Vannoy
- 1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA;
| | | | - Christophe Renault
- 1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA;
- 2Current Address: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Dick
- 1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA;
- 3Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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6
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Wilson KR, Prophet AM. Chemical Kinetics in Microdroplets. Annu Rev Phys Chem 2024; 75:185-208. [PMID: 38382571 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physchem-052623-120718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Micrometer-sized compartments play significant roles in driving heterogeneous transformations within atmospheric and biochemical systems as well as providing vehicles for drug delivery and novel reaction environments for the synthesis of industrial chemicals. Many reports now indicate that reaction kinetics are accelerated under microconfinement, for example, in sprays, thin films, droplets, aerosols, and emulsions. These observations are dramatic, posing a challenge to our understanding of chemical reaction mechanisms with potentially significant practical consequences for predicting the complex chemistry in natural systems. Here we introduce the idea of kinetic confinement, which is intended to provide a conceptual backdrop for understanding when and why microdroplet reaction kinetics differ from their macroscale analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Wilson
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA;
| | - Alexander M Prophet
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA;
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7
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Qiu L, Cooks RG. Spontaneous Oxidation in Aqueous Microdroplets: Water Radical Cation as Primary Oxidizing Agent. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400118. [PMID: 38302696 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Exploration of the unique chemical properties of interfaces can unlock new understanding. A striking example is the finding of accelerated reactions, particularly spontaneous oxidation reactions, that occur without assistance of catalysts or external oxidants at the air interface of both aqueous and organic solutions (provided they contain some water). This finding opened a new area of interfacial chemistry but also caused heated debate regarding the primary chemical species responsible for the observed oxidation. An overview of the literature covering oxidation in microdroplets with air interfaces is provided, together with a critical examination of previous findings and hypotheses. The water radical cation/radical anion pair, formed spontaneously and responsible for the electric field at or near the droplet/air interface, is suggested to constitute the primary redox species. Mechanisms of accelerated microdroplet reactions are critically discussed and it is shown that hydroxyl radical/hydrogen peroxide formation in microdroplets does not require that these species be the primary oxidant. Instead, we suggest that hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide are the products of water radical cation decay in water. The importance of microdroplet chemistry in the prebiotic environment is sketched briefly and the role of partial solvation in reaction acceleration is noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqi Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S
| | - R Graham Cooks
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S
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8
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Chen X, Xia Y, Wu Y, Xu Y, Jia X, Zare RN, Wang F. Sprayed Oil-Water Microdroplets as a Hydrogen Source. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10868-10874. [PMID: 38573037 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Liquid water provides the largest hydrogen reservoir on the earth's surface. Direct utilization of water as a source of hydrogen atoms and molecules is fundamental to the evolution of the ecosystem and industry. However, liquid water is an unfavorable electron donor for forming these hydrogen species owing to its redox inertness. We report oil-mediated electron extraction from water microdroplets, which is easily achieved by ultrasonically spraying an oil-water emulsion. Based on charge measurement and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, contact electrification between oil and a water microdroplet is demonstrated to be the origin of electron extraction from water molecules. This contact electrification results in enhanced charge separation and subsequent mutual neutralization, which enables a ∼13-fold increase of charge carriers in comparison with an ultrapure water spray, leading to a ∼16-fold increase of spray-sourced hydrogen that can hydrogenate CO2 to selectively produce CO. These findings emphasize the potential of charge separation enabled by spraying an emulsion of liquid water and a hydrophobic liquid in driving hydrogenation reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuke Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yingfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, P. R. China
| | - Yunpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China
| | - Xiuquan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China
| | - Richard N Zare
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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9
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Song Z, Zhu C, Gong K, Wang R, Zhang J, Zhao S, Li Z, Zhang X, Xie J. Deciphering the Microdroplet Acceleration Factors of Aza-Michael Addition Reactions. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10963-10972. [PMID: 38567839 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Microdroplet chemistry is emerging as a great tool for accelerating reactions by several orders of magnitude. Several unique properties such as extreme pHs, interfacial electric fields (IEFs), and partial solvation have been reported to be responsible for the acceleration; however, which factor plays the key role remains elusive. Here, we performed quantum chemical calculations to explore the underlying mechanisms of an aza-Michael addition reaction between methylamine and acrylamide. We showed that the acceleration in methanol microdroplets results from the cumulative effects of several factors. The acidic surface of the microdroplet plays a dominating role, leading to a decrease of ∼9 kcal/mol in the activation barrier. We speculated that the dissociation of both methanol and trace water contributes to the surface acidity. An IEF of 0.1 V/Å can further decrease the barrier by ∼2 kcal/mol. Partial solvation has a negligible effect on lowering the activation barrier in microdroplets but can increase the collision frequency between reactants. With acidity revealed to be the major accelerating factor for methanol droplets, reactions on water microdroplets should have even higher rates because water is more acidic. Both theoretically and experimentally, we confirmed that water microdroplets significantly accelerate the aza-Michael reaction, achieving an acceleration factor that exceeds 107. This work elucidates the multifactorial influences on the microdroplet acceleration mechanism, and with such detailed mechanistic investigations, we anticipate that microdroplet chemistry will be an avenue rich in opportunities in the realm of green synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhexuan Song
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chenghui Zhu
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ke Gong
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ruijing Wang
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jianze Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Supin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zesheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xinxing Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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10
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Devlin SW, Bernal F, Riffe EJ, Wilson KR, Saykally RJ. Spiers Memorial Lecture: Water at interfaces. Faraday Discuss 2024; 249:9-37. [PMID: 37795954 DOI: 10.1039/d3fd00147d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article we discuss current issues in the context of the four chosen subtopics for the meeting: dynamics and nano-rheology of interfacial water, electrified/charged aqueous interfaces, ice interfaces, and soft matter/water interfaces. We emphasize current advances in both theory and experiment, as well as important practical manifestations and areas of unresolved controversy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane W Devlin
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Franky Bernal
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Erika J Riffe
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kevin R Wilson
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Richard J Saykally
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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11
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de la Puente M, Laage D. How the Acidity of Water Droplets and Films Is Controlled by the Air-Water Interface. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25186-25194. [PMID: 37938132 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Acidity is a key determinant of chemical reactivity in atmospheric aqueous aerosols and water microdroplets used for catalysis. However, many fundamental questions about these systems have remained elusive, including how their acidity differs from that of bulk solutions, the degree of heterogeneity between their core and surface, and how the acid-base properties are affected by their size. Here, we perform hybrid density functional theory (DFT)-quality neural network-based molecular simulations with explicit nuclear quantum effects and combine them with an analytic model to describe the pH and self-ion concentrations of droplets and films for sizes ranging from nm to μm. We determine how the acidity of water droplets and thin films is controlled by the properties of the air-water interface and by their surface-to-volume ratio. We show that while the pH is uniform in each system, hydronium and hydroxide ions exhibit concentration gradients that span the two outermost molecular layers, enriching the interface with hydronium cations and depleting it with hydroxide anions. Acidity depends strongly on the surface-to-volume ratio for system sizes below a few tens of nanometers, where the core becomes enriched in hydroxide ions and the pH increases as a result of hydronium stabilization at the interface. These results obtained for pure water systems have important implications for our understanding of chemical reactivity in atmospheric aerosols and for catalysis in aqueous microdroplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel de la Puente
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Damien Laage
- PASTEUR, Department of Chemistry, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
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