Unravelling topological features of liquid-liquid phase transitions in network liquids

拟议的项目旨在开展一项研究计划，结合理论和计算方法，在分子和胶体尺度上揭示网络液体中液-液相变(LLPT)的拓扑特征，以及相关的成核现象。拓扑概念的使用将提供对LLPT现象及其物理起源的更深层次的理解，而与跨越原子、分子和胶体尺度的组成单元的大小无关。了解水的氢键网络--我们生存最重要的液体--将是这项研究的核心，也是改变我们对周围世界的理解的关键。

The proposed project seeks to undertake a research program, combining theoretical and computational approaches, to unravel topological features of liquid-liquid phase transitions (LLPTs) in network liquids, in both molecular and colloidal scales, and nucleation phenomena where relevant. The use of topological concepts will provide a deeper understanding of the LLPT phenomenon and of its physical origin, independent of the size of the constituent units, spanning atomic, molecular and colloidal scales. Understanding the hydrogen-bond network of water - the most important liquid for our existence - will be central to this research and critical to transforming our understanding of the world around us.