Direct viscosification of CO_(2) offers promising alternative for mobility control and reduction in residual brine saturation,thus to improve the CO_(2) trapping in saline aquifers.Hydrocarbon oligomers,recognized for...Direct viscosification of CO_(2) offers promising alternative for mobility control and reduction in residual brine saturation,thus to improve the CO_(2) trapping in saline aquifers.Hydrocarbon oligomers,recognized for their exceptional properties,are considered as one of the most promising viscosifiers in displacement of brine-saturated porous media.However,the molecular-level mechanisms governing the solubility and viscosification of hydrocarbon oligomers in scCO_(2) remain poorly understood.In this study,we employ coarse-grained molecular models to advance our understanding in the effects of molecular structure of hydrocarbon oligomers on their solubility in scCO_(2).The coarse-grained models of five hydrocarbon oligomers with different numbers of methyl-branch(n-C32,P1D-2,P1D-3,P1D-6 and squalane)are established to investigate their effects on solubilization in scCO_(2).We demonstrate that the number of methyl groups has a monotonic correlation with the solubility of hydrocarbon oligomers when the molecular weights of oligomers are comparable.The radial distribution function reveals nC32,P1D and squalane are uniformly dispersed with separation distances of approximately 1.0–2.0 nm.The interaction energy between hydrocarbon oligomers and CO_(2) shows that the number of methylbranch in hydrocarbon oligomers can directly influence their solubility in scCO_(2).Molecular simulation results demonstrate that the interaction distances between the methyl-branch and CO_(2) are smaller than those of other molecular fragments.There are approximately 20%more CO_(2) molecules interacting with methyl-branch than with other parts.This work sets the stage for our future molecular dynamics study in viscosification by hydrocarbon oligomers with different branching length and interfacial phenomena in multiphase systems.展开更多
Electrolyte engineering with fluoroethers as solvents offers promising potential for high-performance lithium metal batteries.Despite recent progresses achieved in designing and synthesizing novel fluoroether solvents...Electrolyte engineering with fluoroethers as solvents offers promising potential for high-performance lithium metal batteries.Despite recent progresses achieved in designing and synthesizing novel fluoroether solvents,a systematic understanding of how fluorination patterns impact electrolyte performance is still lacking.We investigate the effects of fluorination patterns on properties of electrolytes using fluorinated 1,2-diethoxyethane(FDEE)as single solvents.By employing quantum calculations,molecular dynamics simulations,and interpretable machine learning,we establish significant correlations between fluorination patterns and electrolyte properties.Higher fluorination levels enhance FDEE stability but decrease conductivity.The symmetry of fluorination sites is critical for stability and viscosity,while exerting minimal influence on ionic conductivity.FDEEs with highly symmetric fluorination sites exhibit favorable viscosity,stability,and overall electrolyte performance.Conductivity primarily depends on lithium-anion dissociation or association.These findings provide design principles for rational fluoroether electrolyte design,emphasizing the trade-offs between stability,viscosity,and conductivity.Our work underscores the significance of considering fluorination patterns and molecular symmetry in the development of fluoroether-based electrolytes for advanced lithium batteries.展开更多
The pre-wetting of aggregate surface is a means to improve the interface performance of SBS modified asphalt and aggregate.The effect of pre-wetting technology on the interaction between SBS modified asphalt and aggre...The pre-wetting of aggregate surface is a means to improve the interface performance of SBS modified asphalt and aggregate.The effect of pre-wetting technology on the interaction between SBS modified asphalt and aggregate was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation.The diffusion coefficient and concentration distribution of SBS modified asphalt on aggregate surface are included.The simulation results show that the diffusion coefficient of the aggregate surface of SBS modified asphalt is increased by 47.6%and 70.5%respectively after 110#asphalt and 130#asphalt are pre-wetted.The concentration distribution of SBS modified asphalt on the aggregate surface after pre-wetting is more uniform.According to the results of interface energy calculation,the interface energy of SBS modified bitumen and aggregate can be increased by about 5%after pre-wetting.According to the results of molecular dynamics simulation,the pre-wetting technology can effectively improve the interface workability of SBS modified bitumen and aggregate,so as to improve the interface performance.展开更多
The strategic dispersion of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)within triblock copolymer matrix is key to fabricating nanocomposites with the desired electrical properties.This study investigated the self-assembly and electrical b...The strategic dispersion of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)within triblock copolymer matrix is key to fabricating nanocomposites with the desired electrical properties.This study investigated the self-assembly and electrical behavior of a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene(SBS)matrix with CNTs of different aspect ratios using hybrid particle-field molecular dynamics simulations.Structural factor analysis of the nanocomposites indicated that CNTs with higher aspect ratios promoted the transition of the SBS matrix from a bicontinuous to a lamellar phase.The resistor network algorithm method showed that the electrical conductivity of SBS and CNTs nanocomposites was influenced by the interplay between the CNTs aspect ratios,concentrations,and domain sizes of the triblock copolymer SBS.Our research sheds light on the relationship between CNTs dispersion and the electrical behavior of SBS/CNTs nanocomposites,guiding the engineering of materials to achieve desired electrical properties through the modulation of CNTs aspect ratios and tailored sizing of triblock copolymer domains.展开更多
An efficient utilization strategy of ethylene tar(ET),the main by-product of the ethylene cracking unit,is urgently required to meet demands for modern petrochemical industry.On the other hand,condensed polynuclear ar...An efficient utilization strategy of ethylene tar(ET),the main by-product of the ethylene cracking unit,is urgently required to meet demands for modern petrochemical industry.On the other hand,condensed polynuclear aromatic resin of moderate condensation degree(B-COPNA)is a widely used carbon material due to its superb processability,the production of which is,however,seriously limited by the high cost of raw materials.Under such context,an interesting strategy was proposed in this study for producing B-COPNA resin using crosslinked light fractions of ethylene tar(ETLF,boiling point<260℃)facilitated by molecular simulation.1,4-Benzenedimethanol(PXG)was first selected as the crosslinking agent according to the findings of molecular simulation.The effects of operating conditions,including reactions temperature,crosslinking agent,and catalyst content on the softening point and yield of B-COPNA resin products were then investigated to optimize the process.The reaction mechanism of resin production was studied by analyzing the molecular structure and transition state of ETLF and crosslinking agents.It was shown that PXG exhibited a superior capacity of withdrawing electrons and a higher electrophilic reactivity than other crosslinking agents.In addition to the highest yield and greatest heat properties,PXG-prepared resin contained the most condensed aromatics.The corresponding optimized conditions of resin preparation were 180℃,1:1.9(PXG:ETLF),and 3%(mass)of catalyst content with a resin yield of 78.57%.It was the electrophilic substitution reaction that occurred between the ETLF and crosslinking agent molecules that were responsible for the resin formation,according to the experimental characterization and molecular simulation.Hence,it was confirmed that the proposed strategy and demonstrated process can achieve a clean and high value-added utilization of ETLF via B-COPNA resin preparation,bringing huge economic value to the current petrochemical industry.展开更多
The clathrate hydrate memory effect is a fascinating phenomenon with potential applications in carbon capture,utilization and storage(CCUS),gas separation,and gas storage as it can accelerate the secondary formation o...The clathrate hydrate memory effect is a fascinating phenomenon with potential applications in carbon capture,utilization and storage(CCUS),gas separation,and gas storage as it can accelerate the secondary formation of clathrate hydrate.However,the underlying mechanism of this effect remains unclear.To gain a better understanding of the mechanism,we conducted molecular dynamic simulations to simulate the initial formation and reformation processes of methane hydrate.In this work,we showed the evolution process of hydrate residual structures into hydrate cages.The simulation results indicate that the residual structures are closely related to the existence of hydrate memory effect,and the higher the contribution of hydrate dissociated water to the hydrate nucleation process,the faster the hydrate nucleation.After hydrate dissociation,the locally ordered structures still exist after hydrate dissociation and can promote the formation of cluster structures,thus accelerating hydrate nucleation.Additionally,the nucleation process of hydrate and the formation process of clusters are inseparable.The size of clusters composed of cup-cage structures is critical for hydrate nucleation.The residence time at high temperature after hydrate decomposition will affect the strength of the hydrate memory effect.Our simulation results provide microscopic insights into the occurrence of the hydrate memory effect and shed light on the hydrate reformation process at the molecular scale.展开更多
The rapid advancement and broad application of machine learning(ML)have driven a groundbreaking revolution in computational biology.One of the most cutting-edge and important applications of ML is its integration with...The rapid advancement and broad application of machine learning(ML)have driven a groundbreaking revolution in computational biology.One of the most cutting-edge and important applications of ML is its integration with molecular simulations to improve the sampling efficiency of the vast conformational space of large biomolecules.This review focuses on recent studies that utilize ML-based techniques in the exploration of protein conformational landscape.We first highlight the recent development of ML-aided enhanced sampling methods,including heuristic algorithms and neural networks that are designed to refine the selection of reaction coordinates for the construction of bias potential,or facilitate the exploration of the unsampled region of the energy landscape.Further,we review the development of autoencoder based methods that combine molecular simulations and deep learning to expand the search for protein conformations.Lastly,we discuss the cutting-edge methodologies for the one-shot generation of protein conformations with precise Boltzmann weights.Collectively,this review demonstrates the promising potential of machine learning in revolutionizing our insight into the complex conformational ensembles of proteins.展开更多
Low salinity water containing sulfate ions can significantly alter the surface wettability of carbonate rocks.Nevertheless,the impact of sulfate concentration on the desorption of oil film on the surface of carbonate ...Low salinity water containing sulfate ions can significantly alter the surface wettability of carbonate rocks.Nevertheless,the impact of sulfate concentration on the desorption of oil film on the surface of carbonate rock is still unknown.This study examines the variations in the wettability of the surface of carbonate rocks in solutions containing varying amounts of sodium sulfate and pure water.The problem is addressed in the framework of molecular dynamics simulation(Material Studio software)and experiments.The experiment’s findings demonstrate that sodium sulfate can increase the rate at which oil moisture is turned into water moisture.The final contact angle is smaller than that of pure water.The results of the simulations show that many water molecules travel down the water channel under the influence of several powerful forces,including the electrostatic force,the van der Waals force and hydrogen bond,crowding out the oil molecules on the calcite’s surface and causing the oil film to separate.The relative concentration curve of water and oil molecules indicates that the separation rate of the oil film on the surface of calcite increases with the number of sulfate ions.展开更多
Our researches are based on the fact that the systems composed of polyacrylamide and montmorillonite under a kind of shear state often appear in some important practical processes like drilling well etc. The viscosity...Our researches are based on the fact that the systems composed of polyacrylamide and montmorillonite under a kind of shear state often appear in some important practical processes like drilling well etc. The viscosity of polyacrylamide is usually the most important one among the characteristics to decide if the practical processes succeed or not. Therefore, we studied the effect of hydrated montmorillonite on the viscosities of polyacrylamide with temperature and shear rate varying under confined shear by molecular simulation method. Adopting the condition of confined shear in the research could make our simulations and the practical processes as similar as possible. First, the model of one polyacrylamide polymer chain with 20 monomers linearly linking surrounded by water molecules between two of montmorillonite layers was constructed. Then canonical ensemble （NVT） MD simulations were carried out for the built model at different temperatures and shear rates. From the gained simulation results, we calculated the polymer＇s structural property-radius of gyration, which was directly related to the viscosity property of polyacrylamide polymer. It was found that the viscosity of the polyacrylamide polymer between hydrated clay layers decreased with the temperature increasing from 298 to 343 K under the condition of confined shear. The variation trend of viscosity from simulation results was also confirmed by our experiments. Besides, the viscosity of the polyacrylamide between hydrated clay layers decreased with the shear rate increasing within the range of higher shear rates.展开更多
Grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation methods are used to simulate oxygen sorption and diffusion in amorphous poly（lactic acid） （PLA）. The simulated solubility coefficient of oxygen is clos...Grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation methods are used to simulate oxygen sorption and diffusion in amorphous poly（lactic acid） （PLA）. The simulated solubility coefficient of oxygen is close to experimental data obtained from the quartz crystal microbalance but much higher than those from the time-lag method. This discrepancy is explained by using the dual-mode sorption model. It is found that oxygen sorotion in PLA is predominantly Langmuir type controlled, i.e., through the process of filling holes. The time--lag method only takes into account oxygen molecules that participate the diffusion process whereas a large proportion of oxygen molecules trapped in the void have little chance to execute hopping due to the glassy nature of PLA at room temperature. The simulated diffusion coefficient of oxygen is reasonably close to the data obtained from the time-lag method. The solubility coefficient of oxygen decreases linearly with increasing relative humidity while its diffusion coefficient firstly decreases and then increases as a function of relative humidity.展开更多
In this reported study, the density functional theory(DFT) was used at the(U)B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level to investigate the stabilization process of the nitrate ester plasticized polyether propellant(NEPE). Molecular simu...In this reported study, the density functional theory(DFT) was used at the(U)B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level to investigate the stabilization process of the nitrate ester plasticized polyether propellant(NEPE). Molecular simulations were conducted of the reaction that generates NO_(2), the autocatalytic and aging reaction triggered by the NO_(2), and the nitrogen dioxide absorption reaction of the stabilizers during the propellent stabilization process. These simulations were derived using the transition-state theory(TST)and variational transition-state theory(VTST). The simulation results suggested that the stabilization of the NEPE propellant consisted of three stages. First, heat and NO_(2) were generated during the denitrification reaction of nitroglycerine(NG) and 1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate(BTTN) in the NEPE propellant.Second, nitroso products were generated by the reactions of N-Methyl-4-nitroaniline(MNA) and 2-nitrodiphenylamine(2NDPA) with NO_(2). Third, the stabilizers were exhausted and the autocatalytic reaction of NG and BTTN and the aging reaction of polyethylene glycol(PEG) were triggered by the heat and NO_(2)generated in the first stage. By comparing the energy barriers of the various reactions, it was found that the NO_(2)generated from the denitrification reaction significantly reduced the reaction energy barrier to 105.56-126.32 kJ/mol, also increased the reaction rate constant, and decreased the thermal stability and energetic properties of the NEPE propellant. In addition, the NO_(2)also weakened the mechanical properties of the NEPE propellant by attacking the-CH2groups and the O atoms in the PEG molecular chain. The energy barriers of the reactions of MNA and 2NDPA with NO_(2)(94.61-133.61 k J/mol) were lower than those of the autocatalytic and decomposition reactions of NG, BTTN, and the aging reactions of PEG(160.30-279.46 kJ/mol). This indicated that, by eliminating NO_(2), the stabilizer in the NEPE propellant can effectively prevent NO_(2)from reacting with the NG, BTTN, and PEG in the NEPE propellant. Consequently, this would help maintain the energy and mechanical properties of the NEPE propellant, thereby improving its thermal stability.展开更多
In this work grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations were performed to study gas separation in three pairs of isoreticular metal-organic frameworks (IRMOFs) with and without catenation at room temperature.Mixture comp...In this work grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations were performed to study gas separation in three pairs of isoreticular metal-organic frameworks (IRMOFs) with and without catenation at room temperature.Mixture composed of CO2 and H2 was selected as the model system to separate.The results show that CO2 selectivity in catenated MOFs with multi-porous frameworks is much higher than their non-catenated counterparts.The simulations also show that the electrostatic interactions are very important for the selectivity,and the contributions of different electrostatic interactions are different,depending on pore size,pressure and mixture composition.In fact,changing the electrostatic interactions can even qualitatively change the adsorption behavior.A general conclusion is that the electrostatic interactions between adsorbate molecules and the framework atoms play a dominant role at low pressures,and these interactions in catenated MOFs have much more pronounced effects than those in their non-catenated counterparts,while the electrostatic interactions between adsorbate molecules become evident with increasing pressure,and eventually dominant.展开更多
Polymeric materials have a broad range of mechanical and physical properties.They have been widely used in material science,biomedical engineering,chemical engineering,and mechanical engineering.The introduction of ac...Polymeric materials have a broad range of mechanical and physical properties.They have been widely used in material science,biomedical engineering,chemical engineering,and mechanical engineering.The introduction of active elements into the soft matrix of polymers has enabled much more diversified functionalities of polymeric materials,such as self-healing,electroactive,magnetosensitive,pH-responsive,and many others.To further enable applications of these multifunctional polymers,a mechanistic modeling method is required and of great significance,as it can provide links between materials’micro/nano-structures and their macroscopic mechanical behaviors.Towards this goal,molecular simulation plays an important role in understanding the deformation and evolution of polymer networks under external loads and stimuli.These molecular insights provide physical guidance in the formulation of mechanistic-based continuum models for multifunctional polymers.In this perspective,we present a molecular simulation-guided and physics-informed modeling framework for polymeric materials.Firstly,the physical theory for polymer chains and their networks is briefly introduced.It serves as the foundation for mechanistic-models of polymers,linking their chemistry,physics,and mechanics together.Secondly,the deformation of the polymer network is used to derive the strain energy density functions.Thus,the corresponding continuum models can capture the intrinsic deformation mechanisms of polymer networks.We then highlight several representative examples across multiphysics coupling problems to describe in detail for this proposed framework.Last but not least,we discuss potential challenges and opportunities in the modeling of multifunctional polymers for future research directions.展开更多
Molecular simulation plays an increasingly important role in studying the properties of complex fluid systems containing charges,such as ions,piezoelectric materials,ionic liquids,ionic surfactants,polyelectrolytes,zw...Molecular simulation plays an increasingly important role in studying the properties of complex fluid systems containing charges,such as ions,piezoelectric materials,ionic liquids,ionic surfactants,polyelectrolytes,zwitterionic materials,nucleic acids,proteins,biomembranes and etc.,where the electrostatic interactions are of special significance.Several methods have been available for treating the electrostatic interactions in explicit and implicit solvent models.Accurate and efficient treatment of such interactions has therefore always been one of the most challenging issues in classical molecular dynamics simulations due to their inhomogeneity and long-range characteristics.Currently,two major challenges remain in the application field of electrostatic interactions in molecular simulations;(i)improving the representation of electrostatic interactions while reducing the computational costs in molecular simulations;(ii)revealing the role of electrostatic interactions in regulating the specific properties of complex fluids.In this review,the calculation methods of electrostatic interactions,including basic principles,applicable conditions,advantages and disadvantages are summarized and compared.Subsequently,the specific role of electrostatic interactions in governing the properties and behaviors of different complex fluids is emphasized and explained.Finally,challenges and perspective on the computational study of charged systems are given.展开更多
The shale gas is an unconventional supplementary energy to traditional fossil energy,and is stored in layered rocks with low permeability and porosity,which leads to the difficulty for exploration of shale gas.Therefo...The shale gas is an unconventional supplementary energy to traditional fossil energy,and is stored in layered rocks with low permeability and porosity,which leads to the difficulty for exploration of shale gas.Therefore,using CO_(2) gas to displace shale gas has become an important topic.In this work,we use molecular simulations to study the displacement of shale gas by flue gas rather than CO_(2),in which flue gas is modeled as a binary mixture of CO_(2) and N_(2) and the shale model is represented by inorganic Illite and organic methylnaphthalene.CH_(4) is used as a shale gas model.Compared to the pure CO_(2),flue gas is easily available and the cost of displacement by flue gas would become lower.Results indicate that the pore size of shale is an important factor in the process of displacing shale gas and simultaneously sequestrating flue gas,while the flue gas N_(2)-CO_(2) ratio shows a small effect on the process of CH_(4) displacement,because the high partial pressure of flue gas is the main driving force for displacement of shale gas.Moreover,the geological condition also has a significant effect on the process of CH_(4) displacement by flue gas.Therefore,we suggest that the burial depth of 1 km is suitable operation condition for shale gas displacement.It is expected that this work provides a useful guidance for exploitation of shale gas and sequestration of greenhouse gas.展开更多
Black cotton soil in East Africa is not a stable engineering material for highway and railroad projects. Its strong swelling potential when it absorbs water causes distresses in subgrade of highway and railroad, and t...Black cotton soil in East Africa is not a stable engineering material for highway and railroad projects. Its strong swelling potential when it absorbs water causes distresses in subgrade of highway and railroad, and thus leads to failures of the projects. This paper presents study on the swelling characteristics of black cotton soil in East Africa. Lab tests were conducted to obtain its basic engineering properties, and the results show that black cotton soil contains high amount of montmorillonite and exchangeable cations and is strong expansive soil. Molecular modelling was exploited to further investigate water absorption ability of montmorillonite. Three different molecular models of montmorillonite were constructed and used for simulations, among which Types I and II montmorillonite represent the expansive soil montmorillonite in China, and Types II and III montmorillonite represent black cotton soil montmorillonite in East Africa. The results showed that the interlayer cations of Type III montmorillonite possessed the strongest water absorption ability based on analysis of radial distribution function(RDF) of cations. Interlayer compensatory cations of Na+ enhance the hydration ability of the other major cations, thus resulting in the strong swelling potential of East-Africa black cotton soil.展开更多
Molecular simulations are now an essential part of modern chemistry and physics,especially for the investigation of macromolecules.They have evolved into mature approaches that can be used effectively to understand th...Molecular simulations are now an essential part of modern chemistry and physics,especially for the investigation of macromolecules.They have evolved into mature approaches that can be used effectively to understand the structure-to-property relationships of diverse macromolecular systems.In this article,we provide a tutorial on molecular simulations,focusing on the technical and practical aspects.Several prominent and classical simulation methods and software are introduced.The applications of molecular simulations in various directions of macromolecular science are thenfeatured by representative systems,including self-assembly,crystallization,chemical reaction,and some typical non-equilibrium systems.This tutorial paper provides a useful overview of molecular simulations in the rapid progress of macromolecular science,and suggests guidance for researchers who start exploiting molecular simulations in their study.展开更多
The adsorption behavior of CO_2, CH_4 and their mixtures in bituminous coal was investigated in this study. First, a bituminous coal model was built through molecular dynamic(MD) simulations, and it was confirmed to b...The adsorption behavior of CO_2, CH_4 and their mixtures in bituminous coal was investigated in this study. First, a bituminous coal model was built through molecular dynamic(MD) simulations, and it was confirmed to be reasonable by comparing the simulated results with the experimental data. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo(GCMC)simulations were then carried out to investigate the single and binary component adsorption of CO_2 and CH_4with the built bituminous coal model. For the single component adsorption, the isosteric heat of CO_2 adsorption is greater than that of CH_4 adsorption. CO_2 also exhibits stronger electrostatic interactions with the heteroatom groups in the bituminous coal model compared with CH_4, which can account for the larger adsorption capacity of CO_2 in the bituminous coal model. In the case of binary adsorption of CO_2 and CH_4mixtures, CO_2 exhibits the preferential adsorption compared with CH_4 under the studied conditions. The adsorption selectivity of CO_2 exhibited obvious change with increasing pressure. At lower pressure, the adsorption selectivity of CO_2 shows a rapid decrease with increasing the temperature, whereas it becomes insensitive to temperature at higher pressure. Additionally, the adsorption selectivity of CO_2 decreases gradually with the increase of the bulk CO_2 mole fraction and the depth of CO_2 injection site.展开更多
Three different zeolite catalysts with different pore sizes(MFI-type,BEA-type,and FAU-type zeolites)have been prepared.The influence of different zeolite catalysts on reactivity and product shape selectivity of tetral...Three different zeolite catalysts with different pore sizes(MFI-type,BEA-type,and FAU-type zeolites)have been prepared.The influence of different zeolite catalysts on reactivity and product shape selectivity of tetralin is investigated.Clear differences are observed in the reactivity of tetralin and distribution of products achieved by different catalysts.The diffusion and adsorption behavior of the reactant tetralin and its intermediates,n-butylbenzene and 1-methylindane under the reaction conditions are simulated using molecular simulation methods.Upon combining simulation results and experimental observations,it is shown that the difference in diffusion coefficient and competitive adsorption capacity can explain the reactivity of tetralin and the selectivity of products.The steric hindrance of the MFI-type zeolite mainly limits the key step of ring opening of tetralin,leading to lower selectivity of ring-opening products.n-Butylbenzene molecules can diffuse sufficiently fast in the large pores of FAU-type zeolite and the weak adsorption capacity of n-butylbenzene leads to its insufficient cracking.In addition,it also explains the reason that the BEA-type zeolite has the best BTX selectivity,because it can satisfy both good ring-opening activity and sufficient butylbenzene cracking depth.展开更多
基金the financial support and funding provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Youth Talent Program,Key Special Project,Grant No.52341401 and Distinguished Scholar Program with a Grant No.52425402)High-level Start-up Funding from Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School,Shenzhen Science and Technology Foundation(Grant No.JCYJ20230807120807016)+2 种基金High-level Startup Funding from China University of Petroleum-Beijing(Grant No.2462024YJRC033)the China Postdoctoral Science(CPS)Foundation(Certificate No.2024M750106)the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPS(Grant No.GZC20240051)。
文摘Direct viscosification of CO_(2) offers promising alternative for mobility control and reduction in residual brine saturation,thus to improve the CO_(2) trapping in saline aquifers.Hydrocarbon oligomers,recognized for their exceptional properties,are considered as one of the most promising viscosifiers in displacement of brine-saturated porous media.However,the molecular-level mechanisms governing the solubility and viscosification of hydrocarbon oligomers in scCO_(2) remain poorly understood.In this study,we employ coarse-grained molecular models to advance our understanding in the effects of molecular structure of hydrocarbon oligomers on their solubility in scCO_(2).The coarse-grained models of five hydrocarbon oligomers with different numbers of methyl-branch(n-C32,P1D-2,P1D-3,P1D-6 and squalane)are established to investigate their effects on solubilization in scCO_(2).We demonstrate that the number of methyl groups has a monotonic correlation with the solubility of hydrocarbon oligomers when the molecular weights of oligomers are comparable.The radial distribution function reveals nC32,P1D and squalane are uniformly dispersed with separation distances of approximately 1.0–2.0 nm.The interaction energy between hydrocarbon oligomers and CO_(2) shows that the number of methylbranch in hydrocarbon oligomers can directly influence their solubility in scCO_(2).Molecular simulation results demonstrate that the interaction distances between the methyl-branch and CO_(2) are smaller than those of other molecular fragments.There are approximately 20%more CO_(2) molecules interacting with methyl-branch than with other parts.This work sets the stage for our future molecular dynamics study in viscosification by hydrocarbon oligomers with different branching length and interfacial phenomena in multiphase systems.
基金supported by the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(92372104)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2022A1515110016)+3 种基金the Recruitment Program of Guangdong(2016ZT06C322)R&D Program of Guangzhou(2023A04J1364)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2024ZYGXZR043)TCL Science and Technology Innovation Fund。
文摘Electrolyte engineering with fluoroethers as solvents offers promising potential for high-performance lithium metal batteries.Despite recent progresses achieved in designing and synthesizing novel fluoroether solvents,a systematic understanding of how fluorination patterns impact electrolyte performance is still lacking.We investigate the effects of fluorination patterns on properties of electrolytes using fluorinated 1,2-diethoxyethane(FDEE)as single solvents.By employing quantum calculations,molecular dynamics simulations,and interpretable machine learning,we establish significant correlations between fluorination patterns and electrolyte properties.Higher fluorination levels enhance FDEE stability but decrease conductivity.The symmetry of fluorination sites is critical for stability and viscosity,while exerting minimal influence on ionic conductivity.FDEEs with highly symmetric fluorination sites exhibit favorable viscosity,stability,and overall electrolyte performance.Conductivity primarily depends on lithium-anion dissociation or association.These findings provide design principles for rational fluoroether electrolyte design,emphasizing the trade-offs between stability,viscosity,and conductivity.Our work underscores the significance of considering fluorination patterns and molecular symmetry in the development of fluoroether-based electrolytes for advanced lithium batteries.
基金Funded by the Research Funds of China University of Mining and Technology(No.102523215)。
文摘The pre-wetting of aggregate surface is a means to improve the interface performance of SBS modified asphalt and aggregate.The effect of pre-wetting technology on the interaction between SBS modified asphalt and aggregate was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation.The diffusion coefficient and concentration distribution of SBS modified asphalt on aggregate surface are included.The simulation results show that the diffusion coefficient of the aggregate surface of SBS modified asphalt is increased by 47.6%and 70.5%respectively after 110#asphalt and 130#asphalt are pre-wetted.The concentration distribution of SBS modified asphalt on the aggregate surface after pre-wetting is more uniform.According to the results of interface energy calculation,the interface energy of SBS modified bitumen and aggregate can be increased by about 5%after pre-wetting.According to the results of molecular dynamics simulation,the pre-wetting technology can effectively improve the interface workability of SBS modified bitumen and aggregate,so as to improve the interface performance.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52273019,62173065,22133002,22273031,and 12274056)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.04442024074)+2 种基金NationalKey R&D Program of China(No.2022YFB3707300)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(No.4242040)Scientific Research Funds Project of Liaoning Provincial Department of Education(No.LJKZ0034)。
文摘The strategic dispersion of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)within triblock copolymer matrix is key to fabricating nanocomposites with the desired electrical properties.This study investigated the self-assembly and electrical behavior of a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene(SBS)matrix with CNTs of different aspect ratios using hybrid particle-field molecular dynamics simulations.Structural factor analysis of the nanocomposites indicated that CNTs with higher aspect ratios promoted the transition of the SBS matrix from a bicontinuous to a lamellar phase.The resistor network algorithm method showed that the electrical conductivity of SBS and CNTs nanocomposites was influenced by the interplay between the CNTs aspect ratios,concentrations,and domain sizes of the triblock copolymer SBS.Our research sheds light on the relationship between CNTs dispersion and the electrical behavior of SBS/CNTs nanocomposites,guiding the engineering of materials to achieve desired electrical properties through the modulation of CNTs aspect ratios and tailored sizing of triblock copolymer domains.
基金support of National Natural Science Foundation of P.R.China(22308104).
文摘An efficient utilization strategy of ethylene tar(ET),the main by-product of the ethylene cracking unit,is urgently required to meet demands for modern petrochemical industry.On the other hand,condensed polynuclear aromatic resin of moderate condensation degree(B-COPNA)is a widely used carbon material due to its superb processability,the production of which is,however,seriously limited by the high cost of raw materials.Under such context,an interesting strategy was proposed in this study for producing B-COPNA resin using crosslinked light fractions of ethylene tar(ETLF,boiling point<260℃)facilitated by molecular simulation.1,4-Benzenedimethanol(PXG)was first selected as the crosslinking agent according to the findings of molecular simulation.The effects of operating conditions,including reactions temperature,crosslinking agent,and catalyst content on the softening point and yield of B-COPNA resin products were then investigated to optimize the process.The reaction mechanism of resin production was studied by analyzing the molecular structure and transition state of ETLF and crosslinking agents.It was shown that PXG exhibited a superior capacity of withdrawing electrons and a higher electrophilic reactivity than other crosslinking agents.In addition to the highest yield and greatest heat properties,PXG-prepared resin contained the most condensed aromatics.The corresponding optimized conditions of resin preparation were 180℃,1:1.9(PXG:ETLF),and 3%(mass)of catalyst content with a resin yield of 78.57%.It was the electrophilic substitution reaction that occurred between the ETLF and crosslinking agent molecules that were responsible for the resin formation,according to the experimental characterization and molecular simulation.Hence,it was confirmed that the proposed strategy and demonstrated process can achieve a clean and high value-added utilization of ETLF via B-COPNA resin preparation,bringing huge economic value to the current petrochemical industry.
基金Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22208329,22178378,22127812,21908116 and U19B2005)Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(20232BAB213044)。
文摘The clathrate hydrate memory effect is a fascinating phenomenon with potential applications in carbon capture,utilization and storage(CCUS),gas separation,and gas storage as it can accelerate the secondary formation of clathrate hydrate.However,the underlying mechanism of this effect remains unclear.To gain a better understanding of the mechanism,we conducted molecular dynamic simulations to simulate the initial formation and reformation processes of methane hydrate.In this work,we showed the evolution process of hydrate residual structures into hydrate cages.The simulation results indicate that the residual structures are closely related to the existence of hydrate memory effect,and the higher the contribution of hydrate dissociated water to the hydrate nucleation process,the faster the hydrate nucleation.After hydrate dissociation,the locally ordered structures still exist after hydrate dissociation and can promote the formation of cluster structures,thus accelerating hydrate nucleation.Additionally,the nucleation process of hydrate and the formation process of clusters are inseparable.The size of clusters composed of cup-cage structures is critical for hydrate nucleation.The residence time at high temperature after hydrate decomposition will affect the strength of the hydrate memory effect.Our simulation results provide microscopic insights into the occurrence of the hydrate memory effect and shed light on the hydrate reformation process at the molecular scale.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2023YFF1204402)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12074079 and 12374208)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(Grant No.22ZR1406800)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2022M720815).
文摘The rapid advancement and broad application of machine learning(ML)have driven a groundbreaking revolution in computational biology.One of the most cutting-edge and important applications of ML is its integration with molecular simulations to improve the sampling efficiency of the vast conformational space of large biomolecules.This review focuses on recent studies that utilize ML-based techniques in the exploration of protein conformational landscape.We first highlight the recent development of ML-aided enhanced sampling methods,including heuristic algorithms and neural networks that are designed to refine the selection of reaction coordinates for the construction of bias potential,or facilitate the exploration of the unsampled region of the energy landscape.Further,we review the development of autoencoder based methods that combine molecular simulations and deep learning to expand the search for protein conformations.Lastly,we discuss the cutting-edge methodologies for the one-shot generation of protein conformations with precise Boltzmann weights.Collectively,this review demonstrates the promising potential of machine learning in revolutionizing our insight into the complex conformational ensembles of proteins.
基金supported by CNPC-CZU Innovation Alliancethe Research Start-Up Fund of Changzhou University.
文摘Low salinity water containing sulfate ions can significantly alter the surface wettability of carbonate rocks.Nevertheless,the impact of sulfate concentration on the desorption of oil film on the surface of carbonate rock is still unknown.This study examines the variations in the wettability of the surface of carbonate rocks in solutions containing varying amounts of sodium sulfate and pure water.The problem is addressed in the framework of molecular dynamics simulation(Material Studio software)and experiments.The experiment’s findings demonstrate that sodium sulfate can increase the rate at which oil moisture is turned into water moisture.The final contact angle is smaller than that of pure water.The results of the simulations show that many water molecules travel down the water channel under the influence of several powerful forces,including the electrostatic force,the van der Waals force and hydrogen bond,crowding out the oil molecules on the calcite’s surface and causing the oil film to separate.The relative concentration curve of water and oil molecules indicates that the separation rate of the oil film on the surface of calcite increases with the number of sulfate ions.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30871988)the Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Project(No.BK2014147110)
文摘Our researches are based on the fact that the systems composed of polyacrylamide and montmorillonite under a kind of shear state often appear in some important practical processes like drilling well etc. The viscosity of polyacrylamide is usually the most important one among the characteristics to decide if the practical processes succeed or not. Therefore, we studied the effect of hydrated montmorillonite on the viscosities of polyacrylamide with temperature and shear rate varying under confined shear by molecular simulation method. Adopting the condition of confined shear in the research could make our simulations and the practical processes as similar as possible. First, the model of one polyacrylamide polymer chain with 20 monomers linearly linking surrounded by water molecules between two of montmorillonite layers was constructed. Then canonical ensemble （NVT） MD simulations were carried out for the built model at different temperatures and shear rates. From the gained simulation results, we calculated the polymer＇s structural property-radius of gyration, which was directly related to the viscosity property of polyacrylamide polymer. It was found that the viscosity of the polyacrylamide polymer between hydrated clay layers decreased with the temperature increasing from 298 to 343 K under the condition of confined shear. The variation trend of viscosity from simulation results was also confirmed by our experiments. Besides, the viscosity of the polyacrylamide between hydrated clay layers decreased with the shear rate increasing within the range of higher shear rates.
基金Supported by Program of New Century Excellent Talents in University （NCET-07-0313）, the National Natural Science Foun- dation of China （20706019, 20876052）, Guangdong Science Foundation （$2011010002078）.
文摘Grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation methods are used to simulate oxygen sorption and diffusion in amorphous poly（lactic acid） （PLA）. The simulated solubility coefficient of oxygen is close to experimental data obtained from the quartz crystal microbalance but much higher than those from the time-lag method. This discrepancy is explained by using the dual-mode sorption model. It is found that oxygen sorotion in PLA is predominantly Langmuir type controlled, i.e., through the process of filling holes. The time--lag method only takes into account oxygen molecules that participate the diffusion process whereas a large proportion of oxygen molecules trapped in the void have little chance to execute hopping due to the glassy nature of PLA at room temperature. The simulated diffusion coefficient of oxygen is reasonably close to the data obtained from the time-lag method. The solubility coefficient of oxygen decreases linearly with increasing relative humidity while its diffusion coefficient firstly decreases and then increases as a function of relative humidity.
基金the support provided by the School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering of Ludong University。
文摘In this reported study, the density functional theory(DFT) was used at the(U)B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level to investigate the stabilization process of the nitrate ester plasticized polyether propellant(NEPE). Molecular simulations were conducted of the reaction that generates NO_(2), the autocatalytic and aging reaction triggered by the NO_(2), and the nitrogen dioxide absorption reaction of the stabilizers during the propellent stabilization process. These simulations were derived using the transition-state theory(TST)and variational transition-state theory(VTST). The simulation results suggested that the stabilization of the NEPE propellant consisted of three stages. First, heat and NO_(2) were generated during the denitrification reaction of nitroglycerine(NG) and 1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate(BTTN) in the NEPE propellant.Second, nitroso products were generated by the reactions of N-Methyl-4-nitroaniline(MNA) and 2-nitrodiphenylamine(2NDPA) with NO_(2). Third, the stabilizers were exhausted and the autocatalytic reaction of NG and BTTN and the aging reaction of polyethylene glycol(PEG) were triggered by the heat and NO_(2)generated in the first stage. By comparing the energy barriers of the various reactions, it was found that the NO_(2)generated from the denitrification reaction significantly reduced the reaction energy barrier to 105.56-126.32 kJ/mol, also increased the reaction rate constant, and decreased the thermal stability and energetic properties of the NEPE propellant. In addition, the NO_(2)also weakened the mechanical properties of the NEPE propellant by attacking the-CH2groups and the O atoms in the PEG molecular chain. The energy barriers of the reactions of MNA and 2NDPA with NO_(2)(94.61-133.61 k J/mol) were lower than those of the autocatalytic and decomposition reactions of NG, BTTN, and the aging reactions of PEG(160.30-279.46 kJ/mol). This indicated that, by eliminating NO_(2), the stabilizer in the NEPE propellant can effectively prevent NO_(2)from reacting with the NG, BTTN, and PEG in the NEPE propellant. Consequently, this would help maintain the energy and mechanical properties of the NEPE propellant, thereby improving its thermal stability.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （20725622, 20706002, and 20876006）, Beijing Nova Program （2008B15） and the Dutch STW/CW Separation Technology Program （700.56.655-DPC.6243）.
文摘In this work grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations were performed to study gas separation in three pairs of isoreticular metal-organic frameworks (IRMOFs) with and without catenation at room temperature.Mixture composed of CO2 and H2 was selected as the model system to separate.The results show that CO2 selectivity in catenated MOFs with multi-porous frameworks is much higher than their non-catenated counterparts.The simulations also show that the electrostatic interactions are very important for the selectivity,and the contributions of different electrostatic interactions are different,depending on pore size,pressure and mixture composition.In fact,changing the electrostatic interactions can even qualitatively change the adsorption behavior.A general conclusion is that the electrostatic interactions between adsorbate molecules and the framework atoms play a dominant role at low pressures,and these interactions in catenated MOFs have much more pronounced effects than those in their non-catenated counterparts,while the electrostatic interactions between adsorbate molecules become evident with increasing pressure,and eventually dominant.
基金the support from the Interdisciplinary Multi-Investigator Materials Proposals(IMMP)program of the Institute of Materials Science at the University of Connecticutfunding support from the National Science Foundation(CMMI-1762661 and CMMI-1934829)the funding support from the National Science Foundation(CMMI-1762567 and CMMI-1943598).
文摘Polymeric materials have a broad range of mechanical and physical properties.They have been widely used in material science,biomedical engineering,chemical engineering,and mechanical engineering.The introduction of active elements into the soft matrix of polymers has enabled much more diversified functionalities of polymeric materials,such as self-healing,electroactive,magnetosensitive,pH-responsive,and many others.To further enable applications of these multifunctional polymers,a mechanistic modeling method is required and of great significance,as it can provide links between materials’micro/nano-structures and their macroscopic mechanical behaviors.Towards this goal,molecular simulation plays an important role in understanding the deformation and evolution of polymer networks under external loads and stimuli.These molecular insights provide physical guidance in the formulation of mechanistic-based continuum models for multifunctional polymers.In this perspective,we present a molecular simulation-guided and physics-informed modeling framework for polymeric materials.Firstly,the physical theory for polymer chains and their networks is briefly introduced.It serves as the foundation for mechanistic-models of polymers,linking their chemistry,physics,and mechanics together.Secondly,the deformation of the polymer network is used to derive the strain energy density functions.Thus,the corresponding continuum models can capture the intrinsic deformation mechanisms of polymer networks.We then highlight several representative examples across multiphysics coupling problems to describe in detail for this proposed framework.Last but not least,we discuss potential challenges and opportunities in the modeling of multifunctional polymers for future research directions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21776093,21376089,41976203,21506178,21908066)。
文摘Molecular simulation plays an increasingly important role in studying the properties of complex fluid systems containing charges,such as ions,piezoelectric materials,ionic liquids,ionic surfactants,polyelectrolytes,zwitterionic materials,nucleic acids,proteins,biomembranes and etc.,where the electrostatic interactions are of special significance.Several methods have been available for treating the electrostatic interactions in explicit and implicit solvent models.Accurate and efficient treatment of such interactions has therefore always been one of the most challenging issues in classical molecular dynamics simulations due to their inhomogeneity and long-range characteristics.Currently,two major challenges remain in the application field of electrostatic interactions in molecular simulations;(i)improving the representation of electrostatic interactions while reducing the computational costs in molecular simulations;(ii)revealing the role of electrostatic interactions in regulating the specific properties of complex fluids.In this review,the calculation methods of electrostatic interactions,including basic principles,applicable conditions,advantages and disadvantages are summarized and compared.Subsequently,the specific role of electrostatic interactions in governing the properties and behaviors of different complex fluids is emphasized and explained.Finally,challenges and perspective on the computational study of charged systems are given.
文摘The shale gas is an unconventional supplementary energy to traditional fossil energy,and is stored in layered rocks with low permeability and porosity,which leads to the difficulty for exploration of shale gas.Therefore,using CO_(2) gas to displace shale gas has become an important topic.In this work,we use molecular simulations to study the displacement of shale gas by flue gas rather than CO_(2),in which flue gas is modeled as a binary mixture of CO_(2) and N_(2) and the shale model is represented by inorganic Illite and organic methylnaphthalene.CH_(4) is used as a shale gas model.Compared to the pure CO_(2),flue gas is easily available and the cost of displacement by flue gas would become lower.Results indicate that the pore size of shale is an important factor in the process of displacing shale gas and simultaneously sequestrating flue gas,while the flue gas N_(2)-CO_(2) ratio shows a small effect on the process of CH_(4) displacement,because the high partial pressure of flue gas is the main driving force for displacement of shale gas.Moreover,the geological condition also has a significant effect on the process of CH_(4) displacement by flue gas.Therefore,we suggest that the burial depth of 1 km is suitable operation condition for shale gas displacement.It is expected that this work provides a useful guidance for exploitation of shale gas and sequestration of greenhouse gas.
基金Project(51878164) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProjects(BK20180149, BK20161421) supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, ChinaProject(KFJ170106) supported by Changsha University of Science & Technology via Open Fund of National Engineering Laboratory of Highway Maintenance Technology, China。
文摘Black cotton soil in East Africa is not a stable engineering material for highway and railroad projects. Its strong swelling potential when it absorbs water causes distresses in subgrade of highway and railroad, and thus leads to failures of the projects. This paper presents study on the swelling characteristics of black cotton soil in East Africa. Lab tests were conducted to obtain its basic engineering properties, and the results show that black cotton soil contains high amount of montmorillonite and exchangeable cations and is strong expansive soil. Molecular modelling was exploited to further investigate water absorption ability of montmorillonite. Three different molecular models of montmorillonite were constructed and used for simulations, among which Types I and II montmorillonite represent the expansive soil montmorillonite in China, and Types II and III montmorillonite represent black cotton soil montmorillonite in East Africa. The results showed that the interlayer cations of Type III montmorillonite possessed the strongest water absorption ability based on analysis of radial distribution function(RDF) of cations. Interlayer compensatory cations of Na+ enhance the hydration ability of the other major cations, thus resulting in the strong swelling potential of East-Africa black cotton soil.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22025302 and 21873053).
文摘Molecular simulations are now an essential part of modern chemistry and physics,especially for the investigation of macromolecules.They have evolved into mature approaches that can be used effectively to understand the structure-to-property relationships of diverse macromolecular systems.In this article,we provide a tutorial on molecular simulations,focusing on the technical and practical aspects.Several prominent and classical simulation methods and software are introduced.The applications of molecular simulations in various directions of macromolecular science are thenfeatured by representative systems,including self-assembly,crystallization,chemical reaction,and some typical non-equilibrium systems.This tutorial paper provides a useful overview of molecular simulations in the rapid progress of macromolecular science,and suggests guidance for researchers who start exploiting molecular simulations in their study.
基金Supported by the CNPC Huabei Oilfield Science and Technology Development Project(HBYT-CYY-2014-JS-378,HBYT-CYY-2015-JS-47)
文摘The adsorption behavior of CO_2, CH_4 and their mixtures in bituminous coal was investigated in this study. First, a bituminous coal model was built through molecular dynamic(MD) simulations, and it was confirmed to be reasonable by comparing the simulated results with the experimental data. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo(GCMC)simulations were then carried out to investigate the single and binary component adsorption of CO_2 and CH_4with the built bituminous coal model. For the single component adsorption, the isosteric heat of CO_2 adsorption is greater than that of CH_4 adsorption. CO_2 also exhibits stronger electrostatic interactions with the heteroatom groups in the bituminous coal model compared with CH_4, which can account for the larger adsorption capacity of CO_2 in the bituminous coal model. In the case of binary adsorption of CO_2 and CH_4mixtures, CO_2 exhibits the preferential adsorption compared with CH_4 under the studied conditions. The adsorption selectivity of CO_2 exhibited obvious change with increasing pressure. At lower pressure, the adsorption selectivity of CO_2 shows a rapid decrease with increasing the temperature, whereas it becomes insensitive to temperature at higher pressure. Additionally, the adsorption selectivity of CO_2 decreases gradually with the increase of the bulk CO_2 mole fraction and the depth of CO_2 injection site.
文摘Three different zeolite catalysts with different pore sizes(MFI-type,BEA-type,and FAU-type zeolites)have been prepared.The influence of different zeolite catalysts on reactivity and product shape selectivity of tetralin is investigated.Clear differences are observed in the reactivity of tetralin and distribution of products achieved by different catalysts.The diffusion and adsorption behavior of the reactant tetralin and its intermediates,n-butylbenzene and 1-methylindane under the reaction conditions are simulated using molecular simulation methods.Upon combining simulation results and experimental observations,it is shown that the difference in diffusion coefficient and competitive adsorption capacity can explain the reactivity of tetralin and the selectivity of products.The steric hindrance of the MFI-type zeolite mainly limits the key step of ring opening of tetralin,leading to lower selectivity of ring-opening products.n-Butylbenzene molecules can diffuse sufficiently fast in the large pores of FAU-type zeolite and the weak adsorption capacity of n-butylbenzene leads to its insufficient cracking.In addition,it also explains the reason that the BEA-type zeolite has the best BTX selectivity,because it can satisfy both good ring-opening activity and sufficient butylbenzene cracking depth.
