Biomedical subjects

Donald W Brenner

Publications and source records attributed to Donald W Brenner.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Diffusion on a self-assembled monolayer: molecular modeling of a bound + mobile lubricant.

The diffusion of tricresyl phosphate molecules on an octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was characterized using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations predict that when placed on the top of a close-packed SAM, the molecules remain mobile on the surface with an isotropic diffusion activation energy of approximately 9 kJ/mol. In contrast, an anisotropic barrier that results from chain tilt within the SAM is predicted for diffusion into a defect created by reducing the alkane chain length within a cylinderical region of the surface. Once in the defect, the molecules become trapped by embedding part of the molecule into the side of the SAM.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Ab initio study of the role of entropy in the kinetics of acetylene production in filament-assisted diamond growth environments.

We present a new theoretical strategy, ab initio rate constants plus integration of rate equations, that is used to characterize the role of entropy in driving high-temperature/low-pressure hydrocarbon chemical kinetics typical of filament-assisted diamond growth environments. Twelve elementary processes were analyzed that produce a viable pathway for converting methane in a feed gas to acetylene. These calculations clearly relate the kinetics of this conversion to the properties of individual species, demonstrating that (1) loss of translational entropy restricts addition of hydrogen (and other radical species) to unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds, (2) rotational entropy determines the direction of the rate-limiting abstraction reactions, and (3) the overall pathway is enhanced by high beta-scission reaction rates driven by translational entropy. These results suggest that the proposed strategy is likely applicable to understand gas-phase chemistry occurring in the systems of combustion and other chemical vapor depositions.

Alkynes↗

PubMed2006

Thermal conductivity of diamond nanorods: Molecular simulation and scaling relations.

Thermal conductivities of diamond nanorods are estimated from molecular simulations as a function of radius, length, and degree of surface functionalization. While thermal conductivity is predicted to be lower than carbon nanotubes, their thermal properties are less influenced by surface functionalization, making them prime candidates for thermal management where heat transfer is facilitated by cross-links. A scaling relation based on phonon surface scattering is developed that reproduces the simulation results and experimental measurements on silicon nanowires.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2005

Flow control through polymer-grafted smart nanofluidic channels: molecular dynamics simulations.

Presented are results of molecular dynamics simulations that demonstrate flow gating through a polymer-grafted nanopore as a function of effective solvent quality. Analysis of density and flow profiles from the simulations show that the difference in drag force exerted on the flowing solvent due to different polymer brush configurations produces the effective fluid gating. Shear-induced permeability changes through these nanopores has also been investigated. These results establish a critical starting point in nanofluidics from which continuum modeling can be developed to design this emerging class of smart nanoporous materials with tailor-made properties.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2004

First principles prediction of the gas-phase precursors for AlN sublimation growth.

Using a new, parameter-free first principles strategy for modeling sublimation growth, we show that while Al and N2 dominate gas concentrations in AlN sublimation growth chambers under typical growth conditions, N2 is undersaturated with respect to the crystal and therefore cannot be a growth precursor. Instead, our calculations predict that the nitrogen-containing precursors are Al(n)N (n=2,3,4), in stark contrast to assumptions used in all previous modeling studies of this system.

Journal Article↗