A Non-Ambient X-Ray Diffractometer for Studying Stimuli-Responsive Phase Transition of Organic Materials
Abstract
Changes in the properties of organic materials undergoing transition between solid and liquid phases are employed in in a variety of applications, including thermal energy storage, cooling, and actuation. A better understanding of phase transition enables the development of diverse practical and military technology, including soldier microclimate regulation, automation of equipment, and motion control. The ability to regulate phase transition by light opens up new opportunities to achieve such functions with a high spatial precision, triggered by the rapid, remotely applied, and non-invasive stimulus. This capability enables novel applications including photo-controlled heat storage, adhesion, and actuation, as well as microscale photo-lithography and optical memory. Work from our laboratory has demonstrated that a class of organic molecules, called ‘photoswitches’, can reversibly change their structures between two distinct shapes in condensed phases, undergoing phase transition between solid and liquid, in response to irradiation. In particular, our AFOSR YIP project has established new molecular designs and strategies that enable such optically-controlled phase transition in solution. Building upon established design principles, we have recently developed new classes of biphasic catalysts that are optically activated and precipitated for recovery, enabled by the incorporation of a photoswitch unit in the catalyst structure. At this stage, what is needed is the equipment that will allow us to fundamentally understand the structural factors that reversibly control the solubility of photoswitching catalysts. We are proposing to purchase and assemble a non-ambient, benchtop X-ray diffractometer to characterize the phase and assembly of photoswitching compounds. The instrument, equipped with light sources and a heating-cooling stage, will provide the capability to study how molecules change their geometry and intermolecular interaction in response to irradiation and temperature change. This will yield a deep understanding of photoswitch designs that undergo facile structural changes in solid phase, in the presence and absence of solvent. Successful characterization of various compounds we developed will confirm design principles of photoswitches that maximize their phase and solubility changes upon irradiation. Additionally, this new research capability on campus will strengthen various research projects across Brandeis, including the investigation of nanostructured organic and hybrid materials, biomineralization, and ice-binding peptides. The proposed equipment will also enhance the quality of materials chemistry-related education at Brandeis by providing students with an access to X-ray analysis of diverse organic and hybrid materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310072
Entities
People
- Grace Han
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Brandeis University
- United States Air Force