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Self-Organization Induced by Self-Assembly in Microheterogeneous Reaction-Diffusion System
Alexander A Cherkashin1, Vladimir K Vanag2
1Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University , Moscow 119899, Russia.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|February 17, 2017
Summary
Polymerization of acrylamide monomers within Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction nanodroplets creates polyacrylamide particles. These particles alter the microemulsion structure, shifting patterns from Turing to new dissipative states like spots or waves.
Area of Science:
- Chemical kinetics
- Materials science
- Soft matter physics
Background:
- The Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is a classic example of a chemical oscillator exhibiting complex spatiotemporal patterns.
- Microemulsions, such as water-in-oil aerosol OT (AOT) systems, provide confined environments for chemical reactions.
- Nanoscale confinement can significantly influence reaction dynamics and pattern formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of in-situ polymerization on the pattern formation in the BZ reaction within AOT microemulsion nanodroplets.
- To understand how the formation of polyacrylamide particles alters the microemulsion microstructure and influences dissipative structures.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of acrylamide (AA) monomers into the BZ reaction within AOT microemulsion nanodroplets.
- Initiation of AA polymerization by free radicals generated during the BZ reaction.
- Observation and analysis of the resulting dissipative patterns (e.g., Turing patterns, spots, waves).
Main Results:
- Free radicals from the BZ reaction successfully initiated polymerization of AA monomers, forming polyacrylamide particles.
- The presence of polyacrylamide particles induced significant changes in the AOT microemulsion microstructure.
- A transition from established Turing patterns to novel dissipative patterns, including stationary "black" spots and wave-like structures, was observed.
Conclusions:
- In-situ polymerization within confined BZ reaction systems offers a route to control and modify pattern formation.
- The formation of polymer particles acts as a perturbation that can drive complex systems towards new emergent behaviors.
- This study demonstrates a method for creating dynamic, responsive materials by coupling chemical reactions with polymerization in microemulsions.
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