Neutron Scattering Derives Insights into Dynamics of Functional Materials*

This presentation will discuss the neutron-scattering-resolved dynamics of three distinct systems and correlate measured diffusion and mobility parameters with complementary materials characterization and computational modeling results. In unison, these findings provide comprehensive descriptions of these systems, which, to date, have not been fundamentally understood. First, this presentation will discuss the effect of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups on nanosized pores of carbide-derived carbon supercapacitors. Neutron scattering-derived results demonstrate the degree to which interactions at electrode-electrolyte interfaces influence pore filling densities and mobilities of ionic liquid electrolyte ions. The presentation will further expand the scope of the studied systems to demonstrate how degrees of confinement, including the pore dimensions, size of electrolytes, and planar non-porous interfaces shift the relative significance of these surface moieties on resulting energy and power densities. This presentation will discuss the effect of hydrated water on the ligand-ligand and ligand-solvent dynamics, as well as the propensity to delaminate, of a cobalt metal-organic framework. Finally, this presentation will discuss how temperature- and time-resolved curing dynamics of three distinct phthalonitrile resin monomers change during their molten state, gelation period, and cross-linked regimes. These approaches provide important insights into materials that demonstrate unique promise in a diverse engineering applications, and the presented model systems advance future studies that optimally integrate neutron scattering, computational modeling, materials characterization, and prototype testing.