Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics

本研究由化学系化学结构、动力学和机理-A（CSDM-A）项目资助，欧文教授R。爱泼斯坦和他在布兰迪斯大学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，但产生产物的正向反应和产生反应物的反向反应相互平衡，使得反应物和产物的浓度不发生变化的状态。 没有达到平衡的化学反应转移到达到这个条件，有趣的事情可以在这个过程中产生。 爱泼斯坦小组正在进行实验，其中复杂的三维图案的化学品形成在溶液中。 爱泼斯坦还在开发理论模型来解释这些结构的出现和演变。 这些工作可能会提供有关生物系统中结构如何形成的见解。 该研究小组还采用3D打印技术来研究三维表面上的图案。 他们研究的是在不断扩大的领域中生长的模式，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实验室技术和复杂化学反应计算机模拟方面的经验。 除了培训和专业发展，该项目的教育影响包括爱泼斯坦教授和他的学生继续工作，将非线性化学动力学纳入本科课程。 他们还通过由爱泼斯坦创立的布兰代斯科学波塞项目，向代表性不足的少数民族和普遍处于不利地位的社区开展STEM外展活动。该项目探讨了源于反应扩散和涉及振荡化学反应的相关过程的宏观模式形成。 化学体系包括Belousov-Zhabotinsky反应（BZ）、亚氯酸盐-碘化物-丙二酸（CIMA）体系和二氧化氯-碘-丙二酸（CDIMA）体系。 爱泼斯坦小组正在从事五个一般领域的研究：三维空间中形成的特征化图案，生长域中的图案形成;差异生长（与简单的反应扩散相反）产生的图案;耦合振荡器，以及BZ凝胶系统中的运动和化学机械转导。 所有的实验工作都得到了模型模拟的支持。 除了博士后研究员和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将非线性化学动力学纳入本科课程的持续工作。 他们还通过布兰迪斯科学波塞（Brandeis Science Posse）项目向代表性不足的少数群体和普遍处于不利地位的社区开展STEM推广活动。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值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.