Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics

在这个由化学系化学结构、动力学和机理A(CSDM-A)计划资助的项目中，布兰迪斯大学的欧文·R·爱泼斯坦教授和他的研究小组正在研究远离平衡的化学反应的性质。化学平衡是指化学反应没有停止，但产生产物的前向反应和产生反应物的后向反应相互平衡，从而使反应物和产物的浓度不变。没有达到平衡的化学反应会转变到这种状态，而有趣的事情可能会在这个过程中产生。爱泼斯坦团队正在进行实验，在溶液中形成复杂的三维化学图案。爱泼斯坦还在开发理论模型来解释这些结构的出现和演化。这样的工作可能会对生物系统中结构是如何形成的提供洞察力。该研究小组还使用3D打印技术来研究三维表面上的图案。他们研究生长在不断扩大的区域上的模式，类似于发育中的胚胎和生物体的情况。最后，爱泼斯坦小组还在研究如何利用化学反应来驱动某些材料的运动，这一概念可能会导致原始的“软机器人”。参与该项目的博士后和研究生研究人员正在获得复杂化学反应的实验实验室技术和计算机模拟方面的经验。除了培训和专业发展，该项目的教育影响还包括爱泼斯坦教授和他的学生继续努力，将非线性化学动力学纳入本科课程。他们还通过爱泼斯坦创立的Brandeis Science Posse计划，向未被充分代表的少数族裔和普遍处于不利地位的社区开展STEM外联活动。该项目探索源于反应-扩散的宏观模式形成以及涉及振荡化学反应的相关过程。这些化学体系包括Belousov-Zhabotinsky反应(BZ)、亚氯酸盐-碘-丙二酸(CIMA)体系和二氧化氯-碘-丙二酸(CDIMA)体系。爱泼斯坦团队主要从事五个方面的研究：三维图灵图案的表征、生长区域中的图案形成、差异生长产生的图案(与简单的反应-扩散相反)、耦合振荡器以及BZ-Gel系统中的运动和化学-机械转导。所有的实验工作都有模型模拟的支持。除了一名博士后研究员和一名研究生的培训和专业发展外，该项目的教育影响还包括爱泼斯坦教授和他的学生继续努力，将非线性化学动力学纳入本科课程。他们还通过爱泼斯坦创立的Brandeis Science Posse项目，向未被充分代表的少数群体和普遍处于不利地位的社区开展STEM外联活动。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

In this project, funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanisms-A (CSDM-A) program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Irving R. Epstein and his research group at Brandeis University are studying the properties of chemical reactions that are far from equilibrium. Chemical equilibrium is a condition where a chemical reaction has not ceased, but the forward reaction to produce products and the backward reactions to produce reactants balance each other such that the concentration of reactants and products do not change. Chemical reactions that have not achieved equilibrium shift to reach this condition, and interesting things can result in the process. The Epstein group is conducting experiments wherein complex three-dimensional patterns of chemicals form in solution. Epstein is also developing theoretical models to explain the emergence and evolution of these structures. Such work may provide insights into how structures form in biological systems. The research group is also employing 3D printing technologies to study patterns on three-dimensional surfaces. They investigate patterns that grow on expanding domains, analogous to the situation in developing embryos and organisms. Finally, the Epstein group is also investigating how chemical reactions may be used to drive the motion of certain materials, a concept that could lead to primitive "soft robots." The post-doctoral and graduate student researchers involved in this project are gaining experience in experimental laboratory techniques and computer simulation of complex chemical reactions. In addition to the training and professional development, the educational impacts of the project include continued work by Professor Epstein and his students to incorporate nonlinear chemical dynamics into the undergraduate curriculum. They also conduct STEM outreach to underrepresented minorities and generally disadvantaged communities via the Brandeis Science Posse, a program founded by Epstein.This project explores macroscopic pattern formation originating in reaction-diffusion and related processes involving oscillating chemical reactions. The chemical systems include the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction (BZ), the chlorite-iodide-malonic acid (CIMA) system, and the chlorine dioxide-iodine-malonic acid (CDIMA). The Epstein group is engaging five general areas of investigation: the characterization turing patterns formed in three dimensions, pattern formation in growing domains; patterns arising from differential growth (as opposed to simple reaction-diffusion); coupled oscillators, and locomotion and chemo-mechanical transduction in BZ-gel systems. All experimental work is supported by model simulations. In addition to the training and professional development of a post-doctoral fellow and a graduate student, the educational impacts of the project include continued work by Professor Epstein and his students to incorporate nonlinear chemical dynamics into the undergraduate curriculum. They also conduct STEM outreach to underrepresented minorities and generally disadvantaged communities via the Brandeis Science Posse, a program founded by Epstein.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.