Charge-dependent dynamics of a polyelectrolyte dendrimer and its correlation with invasive water.

ABSTRACT

Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to investigate the local dynamics of polyelectrolyte dendrimers dissolved in deuterium oxide (D2O) and its dependence on molecular charge. Enhanced segmental dynamics upon increase in molecular charge is observed, consistent with quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements. A strong coupling between the intradendrimer local hydration level and segmental dynamics is also revealed. Compelling evidence shows these findings originate from the electrostatic interaction between the hydrocarbon components of a dendrimer and the invasive water. This combined study provides fundamental insight into the dynamics of charged polyelectrolytes and the solvating water molecules.