Researchers have taken the innovative technique of scanning electron microscopy and pushed its capabilities further. The method works at subatomic resolution and can for that reason image not just atoms in molecules however also the structure of the electron shell of an atom. Some time ago they verified the existence of a non-uniform circulation of electron density around halogen atoms, the so-called σ-holes.
Prof. Pavel Hobza, Distinguished Chair & & head of the Non-Covalent Interactions group at IOCB Prague Credit: Tomáš Belloň/ IOCB Prague
Scientists have taken the advanced method of scanning electron microscopy and pushed its capabilities even more. The method works at subatomic resolution and can therefore image not just atoms in molecules however also the structure of the electron shell of an atom. As one of the researchers included, Bruno de la Torre from the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) of Palacký University Olomouc, points out, the success of the experiment described here is generally due to the excellent centers at his home institution and the participation of excellent Ph.D. students.
” Thanks to our previous experience with the Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) strategy, we have actually had the ability to refine our measurements and acquire really total information sets that have helped us to deepen our understanding not just of how the charge is distributed in the particles but likewise of what observables are acquired with the method,” states Bruno de la Torre.
Experimental measurements validated the theoretical forecasts of the existence of the π-hole. From delegated right: Chemical structure of the examined particle, computed electrostatic possible map of the particle, speculative Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) image, and simulated KPFM image. Credit: IOCB Prague.
Modern force microscopy has actually long been the domain of researchers at the Institute of Physics. Some time ago they confirmed the existence of a non-uniform circulation of electron density around halogen atoms, the so-called σ-holes.
” The verification of the presence of the π-hole, in addition to the σ-hole before it, totally demonstrates the quality of the theoretical predictions of quantum chemistry, which have represented both phenomena for years. It reveals that they can be relied upon even in the lack of readily available experiments,” says Pavel Hobza.
The results of Czech scientists research at the submolecular and subatomic levels can be compared to the discovery of cosmic great voids. They had likewise been thought for decades before their presence was verified by experiments.
A much better understanding of the circulation of the electron charge will help the clinical community to comprehend lots of chemical and biological processes in the very first place. On a practical level, it will equate into the capability to develop new supramolecules and consequently into the development of advanced nanomaterials with enhanced properties.
Recommendation: “Visualization of π-hole in molecules by ways of Kelvin probe force microscopy” by B. Mallada, M. Ondráček, M. Lamanec, A. Gallardo, A. Jiménez-Martín, B. de la Torre, P. Hobza and P. Jelínek, 16 August 2023, Nature Communications.DOI: 10.1038/ s41467-023-40593-3.
In aromatic hydrocarbons, we discover electrons in clouds above and listed below the airplane of carbon atoms. If we replace the peripheral hydrogens with more electronegative atoms or groups of atoms that pull electrons away, the initially adversely charged clouds turn into positively charged electron holes.
Researchers have actually validated a decades-old theory about the non-uniform distribution of electron density in aromatic molecules, expanding the possibilities for designing brand-new nanomaterials. This research develops on their previous work and used innovative scanning electron microscopy for subatomic resolution.
Researchers have actually experimentally validated a longstanding theory that posited that electron density is unevenly distributed in aromatic particles.
Researchers from the IOCB Prague, the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and Palacký University Olomouc, have again made substantial developments in uncovering secrets of the world of molecules and atoms. They have actually experimentally validated a longstanding theory suggesting that electron density is not consistently dispersed in aromatic molecules.
This phenomenon substantially affects the physicochemical homes of particles and their interactions. This research expands the possibilities for designing new nanomaterials and is the theme of a paper that has actually simply been released in Nature Communications.
In fragrant hydrocarbons, we discover electrons in clouds above and listed below the aircraft of carbon atoms. If we replace the peripheral hydrogens with more electronegative atoms or groups of atoms that pull electrons away, the initially adversely charged clouds turn into favorably charged electron holes.