arXiv subjects

Baofu Qiao

Publications and source records attributed to Baofu Qiao.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2019

Atomistic simulation of PDADMAC/PSS oligoelectrolyte multilayers: overall comparison of tri- and tetra-layer systems

By employing large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of atomistically resolved oligoelectrolytes in aqueous solutions, we study in detail the first four layer-by-layer deposition cycles of an oligoelectrolyte multilayer made of poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride)/poly(styrene sulfonate sodium salt) (PDADMAC/PSS). The multilayers are grown on a silica substrate in 0.1M {NaCl} electrolyte solutions and the swollen structures are then subsequently exposed to varying added salt concentration. We investigated the microscopic properties of the films, analyzing in detail the differences between three- and four-layers systems. Our simulations provide insights on the early stages of growth of a multilayer, which are particularly challenging for experimental observations. We found a rather strong entanglement of the oligoelectrolytes, with a fuzzy layering of the film structure. The main charge compensation mechanism is for all cases intrinsic, whereas extrinsic compensation is relatively ehanced for the layer of the last deposition cycle. In addition, we quantified other fundamental observables of these systems, as the film thickness, water uptake, and overcharge fractions for each deposition layer.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2018

Heavy Anionic Complex Creates a Unique Water Structure at a Soft Charged Interface

Ion hydration and interfacial water play crucial roles in numerous phenomena ranging from biological to industrial systems. Although biologically relevant (and mostly smaller) ions have been studied extensively in this context, very little experimental data exist about molecular scale behavior of heavy ions and their complexes at interfaces, especially under technologically significant conditions. It has recently been shown that PtCl62- complexes adsorb at positively charged interfaces in a two-step process that cannot fit into well-known empirical trends, such as Hofmeister series. Here, a combined vibrational sum frequency generation and molecular dynamics study reveals that a unique interfacial water structure is connected to this peculiar adsorption behavior. A novel sub-ensemble analysis of MD simulation results show that after adsorption, PtCl62- complexes partially retain their first and second hydration spheres, and it is possible to identify three different types of water molecules around them based on their orientational structures and hydrogen bonding strengths. These results have important implications for relating interfacial water structure and hydration enthalpy to the general understanding of specific ion effects. This in turn influences interpretation of heavy metal ion distribution across and reactivity within, liquid interfaces.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2017

Two-Step Adsorption of $PtCl_6^{2-}$ Complexes at a Charged Langmuir Monolayer: Role of Hydration and Ion Correlations

Anion exchange at positively charged interfaces plays an important role in a variety of physical and chemical processes. However, the molecular scale details of these processes, especially with heavy and large anionic complexes, are not well-understood. We studied the adsorption of $PtCl_6^{2-}$ anionic complexes to floating DPTAP monolayers in the presence of excess $Cl^-$ as a function of the bulk chlorometalate concentration. In situ x-ray scattering and fluorescence measurements, which are element and depth sensitive, show that the chlorometalate ions only adsorb in the diffuse layer at lower concentrations, while they adsorb predominantly in the Stern layer at higher concentrations. The response of DPTAP molecules to the adsorbed ions is determined independently by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, and supports this picture. Molecular dynamics simulations further elucidate the nanoscale structure of the interfacial complexes. The results suggest that ion hydration and ion-ion correlations play a key role in the competitive adsorption process.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2014

Layer-by-layer formation of oligoelectrolyte multilayers: a combined experimental and computational study

For the first time, the combination of experimental preparation and results of fully atomistic simulations of an oligoelectrolyte multilayer (OEM) made of poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride)/poly(styrene sulfonate sodium salt) (PDADMAC/PSS) is presented. The layer-by-layer growth was carried out by dipping silica substrates in oligoelectrolyte solutions and was modeled by means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations with a protocol that mimics the experimental procedure up to the assembly of four layers. Measurements of OEM thickness, surface roughness and amount of adsorbed oligoelectrolyte chains obtained from both approaches are compared. A good agreement between simulated and experimental results was found, with some deviations due to intrinsic limitations of both methods. However, the combination of information extracted from simulations to support the analysis of experimental data can overcome such restrictions and improve the interpretation of experimental results. On the other hand, processes dominated by slower kinetics, like the destabilization of adsorbed layers upon equilibration with the surrounding environment, are out of reach for the simulation modeling approach, but they can be investigated by monitoring in situ the oligoelectrolyte adsorption during the assembly process. This demonstrates how the synergistic use of simulation and experiments improves the knowledge of OEM properties down to the molecular scale.

cond-mat.soft↗