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Daohong Liu

Publications and source records attributed to Daohong Liu.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Machine learning determines the Mg2SiO4 P-T phase diagram

Phase transitions among Mg2SiO4 and its high-pressure polymorphs (wadsleyite and ringwoodite) are central to mantle dynamics and deep-mantle material cycling. However, the locations and Pressure-Temperature (P-T) dependences of these phase boundaries remain debated, largely due to experimental limitations at extreme conditions and the high computational cost of first-principles free-energy calculations. Here, a machine-learning-potential driven workflow combining non-equilibrium thermodynamic integration (NETI) and two-phase coexistence simulations is employed to enable large-scale, long-timescale molecular dynamics sampling. Within this workflow, the melting curve of forsterite is evaluated and a complete P-T phase diagram is constructed. Relative to conventional ab initio approaches, this strategy reduces computational expense while retaining thermodynamic consistency in phase-stability assessment. The workflow is applicable to efficient evaluation of phase stability and thermodynamic properties in deep-Earth silicate systems.

physics.geo-ph

Protonic thermoelectric effect of Superionic H2O and magnetic field generation in Uranus and Neptune

Uranus and Neptune are characterized by anomalously tilted and multi-dipole magnetic fields, which poses substantial challenges for elucidating the internal mechanisms generating magnetic fields. Recent investigations confirmed that superionic H2O is thermodynamically stable and constitutes the dominant H2O phase within their icy mantles. In this study, we demonstrate that the superionic H2O ice exhibits a pronounced protonic thermoelectric effect, in which the maximum Seebeck coefficient within the interior of Uranus can reach approximately 620 uV/K, whereas that of Neptune is lower, within the range of 570-585 uV/K. Consequently, temperature gradients in the icy mantles can induce proton convection, which in turn drives magnetic field generation. Based on this novel mechanism, the disparities in magnetic field strength between Uranus and Neptune can be accounted for exclusively by their differing internal temperature gradients, and the predicted values are in agreement with observations.

astro-ph.EP

Absence of dehydration due to superionic transition at Earth's core-mantle boundary

The properties and stability of hydrous phases are key to unraveling the mysteries of the water cycle in Earth's interior. Under the deep lower mantle conditions, hydrous phases transition into a superionic state. However, the influence of the superionic effect on their stability and dehydration processes remains poorly understood. Using ab initio calculations and deep-learning potential molecular dynamics simulations, we discovered a doubly superionic transition in delta-AlOOH, characterized by the highly diffusive behavior of ionic hydrogen and aluminum within the oxygen sub-lattice. These highly diffusive elements contribute significant external entropy into the system, resulting in exceptional thermostability. Free energy calculations indicate that dehydration is energetically and kinetically unfavorable when water exists in a superionic state under core-mantle boundary (CMB) conditions. Consequently, water can accumulate in the deep lower mantle over Earth's history. This deep water reservoir plays a crucial role in the global deep water and hydrogen cycles.

physics.geo-ph