Chapter 43: Dawn
As a PhD who had specialized in computational chemistry for many years, she knew perfectly well that David was absolutely not 'somewhat knowledgeable' about the field, and that such precise intuition and deep foundation could not be built up merely through 'interest.'
It was like a sharpshooter needing countless rounds to hone their skill; David's performance just now must have been built upon extensive, systematic research and practice, far beyond what an amateur hobby could explain.
But looking at his clear and honest (at least seemingly so) eyes, and considering the immense help he had just provided, she wisely suppressed her deeper questions.
Seeing that the two didn't press further, David immediately seized the opportunity to change the subject, pulling their attention back to the most critical issue. "We can talk about all that later. The most important question now is, should we immediately verify this idea?"
"Absolutely! We have to verify it!" Sarah's scientific fervor was completely ignited, and the pain in her wrist seemed forgotten. "But... my hands are out of commission. The computational simulation operations..."
"If you trust me, I can operate it for you," David said. "Just dictate the steps and tell me your calculation parameters and software usage."
This was a bold proposal: allowing an outsider to operate the computational models and data she had painstakingly built.
But Sarah barely hesitated. She nodded forcefully. "Okay! I trust you!"
Over the next few hours, a peculiar yet highly efficient collaboration unfolded in the lab.
Sarah sat in the chair, gesturing with her right hand, explaining in detail the parameter settings, pseudopotential selection, K-point setup, and other specifics of the VASP computational software she used.
David sat in front of the computer, his fingers flying across the keyboard. His speed of comprehension was astonishing; often, Sarah would barely start speaking before he'd already grasped the concept and executed the command.
David first repeated the calculation based on Sarah's original perfect model, and the result was consistent with her previous data.
Then, following the new line of thought, he began introducing different types of vacancy defects and edge structures into the graphene substrate, recalculating the structural optimization and electronic properties.
Time slipped away amid the clatter of keys and quiet discussion. The night outside the window remained deep, but the lab lights seemed to glow brighter due to the intellectual fire burning within.
When a new set of calculation results, including the vacancy defect model, finally appeared on the screen, Sarah couldn't help but let out a low gasp.
"Look! David, look!" She excitedly pointed her right finger at the electronic density of states graph on the screen. "It's exactly as you predicted! New peaks have appeared near the Fermi level! These are the localized states introduced by the defects!"
Immediately afterward, they calculated the charge distribution and mobility of these defect systems.
The results clearly showed that the presence of defects severely disrupted the charge delocalization, significantly reducing the carrier migration rate.
"We found it... we really found it..." Sarah murmured, her eyes slightly moist.
The root cause of the problem that had plagued her for months, almost shattering her confidence, was right there on the graph, so clear and so undeniable.
Not only that, but with the discovery of the problem's origin, a clear path leading to success also unfolded before them.
The hope of staying at the university was reignited!
"Now, we need to provide direction for the experiment." David remained calm and began screening synthesis conditions based on the new calculation results.
"While higher pyrolysis temperatures help form graphitized carbon, they also make it easier to generate vacancy defects. Perhaps... we could try a relatively milder temperature but extend the holding time, while also introducing trace amounts of boron as a partial substitute for the carbon source. The boron incorporation might help suppress carbon vacancy formation..."
They worked for a while longer, combining literature and calculation results to draft several new, highly promising synthetic pathways.
When all the work was temporarily concluded, the sky outside was already turning a pale gray. A new day was about to begin.
Sarah slumped in her chair. The prolonged intense concentration and emotional turmoil left her feeling exhausted, but her face was radiant with uncontrollable excitement and joy.
She looked at David, her eyes filled with pure gratitude and admiration.
"David... I don't know what to say." Her voice was hoarse. "You didn't just help my hand; you saved my research, my... career. Do you know? The problem you pointed out and this solution—it's not just for me personally—it provides a crucial, brand-new perspective for research across our entire field! This paper... once completed, it has the potential to be published in Nature Materials or Nature Catalysis!"
Leonard was also swept up in the excitement. He looked at David and said sincerely, "Buddy, you created another miracle tonight."
David smiled. Helping Sarah overcome her difficulty, especially by applying his own knowledge, was driven partly by an inability to ignore her plight, but the sense of accomplishment was also irreplaceable.
"This is the accumulation of your own work, Sarah," he said. "I just happened to provide a different perspective."
"No, it's not just a perspective," Sarah shook her head firmly and stated solemnly. "David, I want us to complete this project together. The subsequent material synthesis, systematic characterization, and performance testing—and even the final paper writing—I hope you'll continue to participate, especially in theoretical calculations and data analysis. You're the originator of this breakthrough idea; you must be a co-author on the paper!"
David shook his head slightly, almost without hesitation. "No, Sarah, I'm afraid I can't be credited, and I hope my name isn't mentioned anywhere within this project."
This direct refusal stunned Sarah instantly, her face filled with shock and confusion. "...Why? David, your contribution is decisive; that's a fact. If I knowingly conceal your critical contribution and publish alone, it would violate academic ethics and compromise my personal integrity."
Seeing her earnest and serious expression, David couldn't help but smile. "Sarah, the fact that you would say and do this is enough to demonstrate your unimpeachable academic integrity and personal ethics.
I genuinely admire that. Please believe me, my refusal isn't a denial of this, nor is it due to any noble self-sacrifice, but rather stems from a realistic consideration regarding my own academic career."
"What realistic consideration?" Sarah asked, puzzled.
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