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At least 235 records · Page 13

Modulating CO 2 Electrocatalytic Conversion to the Organics Pathway by the Catalytic Site Dimension

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to organic chemicals provides a value-added route for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we report a family of carbon-supported Sn electrocatalysts with the tin size varying from single atom, ultrasmall clusters to nanocrystallites. High single-product Faradaic efficiency (FE) and low onset potential of CO 2 conversion to acetate (FE = 90% @ –0.6 V), ethanol (FE = 92% @ –0.4 V), and formate (FE = 91% @ –0.6 V) were achieved over the catalysts of different active site dimensions. The CO 2 conversion mechanism behind these highly selective, size-modulated p-block element catalysts was elucidated by structural characterization and computational modeling, together with kinetic isotope effect investigation.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗

Metallofullerene photoswitches driven by photoinduced fullerene-to-metal electron transfer

We report on the discovery and detailed exploration of the unconventional photo-switching mechanism in metallofullerenes, in which the energy of the photon absorbed by the carbon cage π-system is transformed to mechanical motion of the endohedral cluster accompanied by accumulation of spin density on the metal atoms. Comprehensive photophysical and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies augmented by theoretical modelling are performed to address the phenomenon of the light-induced photo-switching and triplet state spin dynamics in a series of Y x Sc 3-x N@C 80 (x = 0–3) nitride clusterfullerenes. Variable temperature and time-resolved photoluminescence studies revealed a strong dependence of their photophysical properties on the number of Sc atoms in the cluster. All molecules in the series exhibit temperature-dependent luminescence assigned to the near-infrared thermally-activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and phosphorescence. The emission wavelengths and Stokes shift increase systematically with the number of Sc atoms in the endohedral cluster, whereas the triplet state lifetime and S 1 –T 1 gap decrease in this row. For Sc 3 N@C 80 , we also applied photoelectron spectroscopy to obtain the triplet state energy as well as the electron affinity. Spin distribution and dynamics in the triplet states are then studied by light-induced pulsed EPR and ENDOR spectroscopies. The spin–lattice relaxation times and triplet state lifetimes are determined from the temporal evolution of the electron spin echo after the laser pulse. Well resolved ENDOR spectra of triplets with a rich structure caused by the hyperfine and quadrupolar interactions with 14 N, 45 Sc, and 89 Y nuclear spins are obtained. The systematic increase of the metal contribution to the triplet spin density from Y 3 N to Sc 3 N found in the ENDOR study points to a substantial fullerene-to-metal charge transfer in the excited state. These experimental results are rationalized with the help of ground-state and time-dependent DFT calculations, which revealed a substantial variation of the endohedral cluster position in the photoexcited states driven by the predisposition of Sc atoms to maximize their spin population.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Materials Data on ZrC3(NO4)3 by Materials Project

ZrC2NO7CO2NO2NO crystallizes in the monoclinic P2_1/c space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four carbon dioxide molecules, four nitrous acid molecules, four nitroxyl molecules, and two ZrC2NO7 clusters. In each ZrC2NO7 cluster, Zr4+ is bonded in a 6-coordinate geometry to six O2- atoms. There are a spread of Zr–O bond distances ranging from 2.00–2.32 Å. There are two inequivalent C4+ sites. In the first C4+ site, C4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three O2- atoms. There is two shorter (1.27 Å) and one longer (1.38 Å) C–O bond length. In the second C4+ site, C4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of C–O bond distances ranging from 1.21–1.41 Å. N+2.67+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The N–O bond length is 1.34 Å. There are seven inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in an L-shaped geometry to one Zr4+ and one C4+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C4+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in an L-shaped geometry to one Zr4+ and one C4+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one C4+ and one N+2.67+ atom. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted L-shaped geometry to one Zr4+ and one C4+ atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted L-shaped geometry to one Zr4+ and one C4+ atom. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to two equivalent Zr4+ and one O2- atom. The O–O bond length is 1.55 Å.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on NbC4N3O13 by Materials Project

(NbCO7)2(N2)3(CO2)4(CO)2O2 crystallizes in the monoclinic P2/c space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of twelve ammonia molecules, eight carbon dioxide molecules, four formaldehyde molecules, two hydrogen peroxide molecules, and four NbCO7 clusters. In each NbCO7 cluster, Nb5+ is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to six O2- atoms. There are a spread of Nb–O bond distances ranging from 1.74–2.31 Å. C4+ is bonded in a linear geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.17 Å) and one longer (1.18 Å) C–O bond length. There are seven inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one Nb5+ and one O2- atom. The O–O bond length is 1.41 Å. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one Nb5+ and one O2- atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one Nb5+ and one O2- atom. The O–O bond length is 1.40 Å. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C4+ atom. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one Nb5+ and one O2- atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted linear geometry to one Nb5+ and one C4+ atom. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Nb5+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on NaAlH22C10(NO6)2 by Materials Project

NaAlC7H13(NO6)2CH2CH3CH4 crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of one hydrogen carbon molecule, one methane molecule, one methane molecule, and one NaAlC7H13(NO6)2 cluster. In the NaAlC7H13(NO6)2 cluster, Na1+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of Na–O bond distances ranging from 2.22–2.49 Å. Al3+ is bonded in a linear geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.19 Å) and one longer (1.22 Å) Al–O bond length. There are seven inequivalent C+0.40+ sites. In the first C+0.40+ site, C+0.40+ is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.05 Å. There are one shorter (0.84 Å) and one longer (1.14 Å) C–O bond lengths. In the second C+0.40+ site, C+0.40+ is bonded in a 1-coordinate geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.60 Å. There is one shorter (1.24 Å) and one longer (1.95 Å) C–O bond length. In the third C+0.40+ site, C+0.40+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.01 Å. There is one shorter (1.68 Å) and one longer (1.89 Å) C–O bond length. In the fourth C+0.40+ site, C+0.40+ is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 0.81 Å. There is one shorter (1.75 Å) and one longer (1.90 Å) C–O bond length. In the fifth C+0.40+ site, C+0.40+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.38 Å. There is one shorter (1.19 Å) and one longer (1.86 Å) C–O bond length. In the sixth C+0.40+ site, C+0.40+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one H1+ and two O2- atoms. The C–H bond length is 1.13 Å. There is one shorter (0.83 Å) and one longer (1.24 Å) C–O bond length. In the seventh C+0.40+ site, C+0.40+ is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to two N3- and one H1+ atom. There is one shorter (0.88 Å) and one longer (1.45 Å) C–N bond length. The C–H bond length is 1.00 Å. There are two inequivalent N3- sites. In the first N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted water-like geometry to one C+0.40+ and three H1+ atoms. There are a spread of N–H bond distances ranging from 0.66–1.56 Å. In the second N3- site, N3- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one C+0.40+ and three H1+ atoms. There are a spread of N–H bond distances ranging from 1.08–1.59 Å. There are thirteen inequivalent H1+ sites. In the first H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the second H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the third H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the fourth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the fifth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a distorted L-shaped geometry to one C+0.40+ and one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.65 Å. In the sixth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the seventh H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the eighth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the ninth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to one N3- and one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.47 Å. In the tenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a distorted L-shaped geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.12 Å) and one longer (1.40 Å) H–O bond length. In the eleventh H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a distorted L-shaped geometry to two N3- atoms. In the twelfth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one C+0.40+ and one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.59 Å. In the thirteenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. There are twelve inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Na1+ and one C+0.40+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to one Na1+ and one C+0.40+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to one Al3+ and one C+0.40+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a water-like geometry to one C+0.40+ and one H1+ atom. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one C+0.40+ and one H1+ atom. In the eighth O2- site, O2- is bonded in an L-shaped geometry to one C+0.40+ and one H1+ atom. In the ninth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one C+0.40+ atom. In the tenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one Al3+, one C+0.40+, and one H1+ atom. In the eleventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to one Na1+ and one C+0.40+ atom. In the twelfth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a water-like geometry to one C+0.40+ and one H1+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Molecular, atomic, and ionized gas in the NGC 6334 star forming region

NGC 6334 is a nearby (1.7 kpc) giant molecular cloud which contains at least 7 distinct sites of massive star formation. Using the Far-infrared Imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FIFI) on the Kuiper Airborne Observatory we have imaged this region in the FIR fine structure lines of O(0) and C(+). The line intensity ratios are compared with the predicted line ratios from the PDR models of Wolfire, Tielens and Hollenbach (1990) (hereafter WTH) to determine the gas density and UV field strength. The (O I) 63 mu m/ 145 mu m intensity ratio is at least a factor of 10 lower than predicted. We suggest that self-absorption by cooler foreground material suppresses the (O I) 63 mu m line. We have also mapped CO J = 2 to 1 emission with the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO). In general, we find an anticorrelation of (C II) and CO emission. Particularly striking is a (C II) peak which is not associated with any CO, FIR or radio continuum source. Consequently, there is no local source of hard UV radiation. Either (1) the (C II) peak is illuminated by a cluster of embedded B stars, which radiate enough soft UV photons to ionize carbon, or (2) the (C II) peak is illuminated by a distant O star.

Kraemer, K. E.↗

Sub-Nanometer Nanoclusters of Copper Atop Single-Atom Copper Moieties toward Electrochemical CO 2 Hydrogenation to Methane

The electrochemical CO 2 reduction (eCO 2 R) offers a compelling route for converting CO 2 into value-added fuels and chemicals. Among CO 2 -derived products, methane (CH 4 ) occupies a distinct position, serving both as a key intermediate for emerging cascade electro-oxidation to oxygenates and as a strategically important extraterrestrial fuel that can be generated in situ from off-planet CO 2 resources. Although Cu-based catalysts capable of selectively producing CH 4 have been reported, they seldom sustain high selectivity at practically relevant current densities. Here, we created a single-step co-pyrolysis strategy toward generating and anchoring Cu sub-nanometer clusters (Cu SNC ) atop Cu-N x single-atom (SA) motifs embedded within N-doped carbon (NC), with controllable nanostructures through tuning of the synthesis parameters. Complementary spectroscopic analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations help reveal a structure−activity correlation that could guide the catalyst design. The Cu SNC @NC sample synthesized at 550 °C pyrolysis temperature (best described and modeled as Cu 3 -CuN 4 domains) represents the most effective combination of cluster size, metal-nitrogen coordination, and adsorption energetics needed to selectively promote CH 4 generation versus other eCO 2 R products. Incorporating pulsed electrolysis and hydrophobicity-modulated transport tuning at the triple-phase boundary (TPB) further enhanced CH 4 production achieving a partial CH 4 current density of ∼321 mA cm −2 , 53% Faradaic efficiency (FECH 4 ), and less than 4% combined FE for other eCO 2 R products, simplifying downstream CH 4 purification or upgrading. This work establishes generalizable principles for controlling Cu cluster atomicity and metal−nitrogen coordination, both of which are recognized determinants of CH 4 -efficient eCO 2 R.

CH4 production↗

Iron catalyst chemistry in modeling a high-pressure carbon monoxide nanotube reactor

The high-pressure carbon monoxide (HiPco) technique for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is analyzed with the use of a chemical reaction model coupled with flow properties calculated along streamlines, calculated by the FLUENT code for pure carbon monoxide. Cold iron pentacarbonyl, diluted in CO at about 30 atmospheres, is injected into a conical mixing zone, where hot CO is also introduced via three jets at 30 degrees with respect to the axis. Hot CO decomposes the Fe(CO)5 to release atomic Fe. Then iron nucleates and forms clusters that catalyze the formation of SWNTs by a disproportionation reaction (Boudouard) of CO on Fe-containing clusters. Alternative nucleation rates are estimated from the theory of hard sphere collision dynamics with an activation energy barrier. The rate coefficient for carbon nanotube growth is estimated from activation energies in the literature. The calculated growth was found be about an order of magnitude greater than measured, regardless of the nucleation rate. A study of cluster formation in an incubation zone prior to injection into the reactor shows that direct dimer formation from Fe atoms is not as important as formation via an exchange reaction of Fe with CO in FeCO.

Evaluation Studies↗

Quantifying CO 2 Plume Stabilization at Carbon Storage Projects, North Dakota, USA

This study presents an approach for quantifying when injected carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) stabilizes pursuant to carbon capture and storage (CCS) project permitting and site closure requirements. The distribution of mobile-phase CO 2 (CO 2 plume) will evolve within the storage reservoir during and after injection through both physical and chemical trapping mechanisms. CCS policies generally agree that the CO 2 plume’s migratory behavior in post-injection should demonstrate nonendangerment to the environment but do not provide specific guidance on how to meet the definition of plume stabilization, generating some uncertainty for operators. Plume stability herein means the CO 2 plume 1) changes size minimally and predictably in the storage reservoir such that it will not cross key boundaries identified in the permit and 2) does not pose a threat to human health, underground sources of drinking water (USDWs), and the environment because of lateral migration to areas where leakage pathways may exist. Published literature on plume metrics was reviewed to determine which metric(s) may be most appropriate for determining CO 2 plume stability. A technical approach that defines plume stabilization by estimating the rate of change in the geographic footprint of the CO 2 plume with respect to time was developed and illustrated using a case study from North Dakota, USA, as a proposed solution for CCS operators to apply at the project permitting stage. Any prospective CCS operator may benefit from using the same approach to inform the selection of pore space lease and monitoring areas and develop post-injection site care plans.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

$\alpha$-Clustering in atomic nuclei from first principles with statistical learning and the Hoyle state character

A long-standing crucial question with atomic nuclei is whether or not α clustering occurs there. An α particle (helium-4 nucleus) comprises two protons and two neutrons, and may be the building block of some nuclei. This is a very beautiful and fascinating idea, and is indeed plausible because the α particle is particularly stable with a large binding energy. However, direct experimental evidence has never been provided. Here, we show whether and how α(-like) objects emerge in atomic nuclei, by means of state-of-the-art quantum many-body simulations formulated from first principles, utilizing supercomputers including K/Fugaku. The obtained physical quantities exhibit agreement with experimental data. The appearance and variation of the α clustering are shown by utilizing density profiles for the nuclei beryllium-8, -10 and carbon-12. With additional insight by statistical learning, an unexpected crossover picture is presented for the Hoyle state, a critical gateway to the birth of life.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Phosphate Textural Diversity in CI Chondrites and C-Type Asteroids

Introduction: Apatite, Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 (CL/F/OH-), is a ubiquitous phosphate found throughout the solar system, including the most primitive solids, CI-chondrites [1,2] and related samples of carbonaceous asteroids Ryugu [3] and Bennu [4], returned by JAXA’s Hayabusa2 and NASA’s OSIRIS-REx missions, respectively. Apatite in these primitive solids is found as individual grains or mineral clusters and has been inferred to form from the hydrothermal sequence during cooling of their respective parent body or bodies. To better understand the formation history and reworking of these early phosphates we have undertaken a highly coordinated study of phosphate microstructures, geochemistry and U/Pb geochronology from a suite of CI meteorites and carbonaceous asteroid samples. These data have identified novel phosphate microstructures and complex relationships across a suite of apatite grains from the early solar system, indicating multiple episodes of growth and modification on the CI parent body(ies). Methods: Samples of CI chondrites, Alais, Ivuna, Orgueil, Oued Chebeika 002, Yamato (Y) 82162, Y980115, Y980134, and two chips of Hayabusa2 Ryugu particles (A0262 and C0263) have been acquired for analysis. The bulk texture of the samples were first scanned by X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) using the Nikon XT H 320 within the XFACT facility at NASA JSC or the Xradia 620 Versa at the UTCT facility. Based on the identification of petrofabrics or features of interest from the XCT data, samples were chipped, oriented, potted in epoxy and thick sections were prepared. After anhydrously polishing the samples with silicon carbide and dry diamond powder down to 1 µm, the samples were ion polished using a Hitachi ArBlade. Energy dispersive Xray spectrometry (EDS) maps were collected to ID phosphates of interest using a JEOL 7900F SEM. The internal microstructures of identified phosphates were then mapped by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) using the JEOL 7900F. Based on the EDS and EBSD data, domains of interest were targeted for quantitative chemical analyses using a JEOL 8530 EPMA. Subsequently, in situ U-Pb and 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ages will be collected using a Cameca ims1290 secondary ion mass spectrometer at UCLA across a range of microstructures. Results: Apatite grains are ubiquitous throughout the CI chondrites and carbonaceous asteroid materials, found as individual grains, disseminated clusters or grain aggregates. Apatite grains are associated with serpentine, magnet-ite, and/or carbonate. Of particular interest, we have identified individual and aggregate polycrystalline grains ex-hibiting an internal ‘honeycomb’ texture (Fig. 1). Some of these grains appear overprinted by subsequent alteration while others remain unaltered. Apatite halogen sites are dominated by the missing component, assumed to be OH, and F, comparable to published values from Bennu, Ryugu and CM-chondrites [3-5]. However, the Yamato CI-like meteorites show a broader range of Cl values, and one grain from Alais is dominated by CL. Summary: Apatite growth features indicate a protracted and complex growth history, consistent with precipitation from an evolving fluid system. The ‘honeycomb’ texture identified in some CI meteorites is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of such a microstructure in meteoritic phosphate. The microtextures and zoning will guide subsequent age analyses, to better constrain the formation and reworking of phosphate in CI(-like) materials. Acknowledgments: We thank the National Institute of Polar Research, Japan for samples of Y82162, 980115 and 980134 meteorites, ASU’s Buseck Center for Meteorite Studies for samples of Ivuna and Alais meteorites, and JAXA curation for chips of Ryugu material. This work was funded by NASA ROSES LARS grant 24-LARS24-0014. References: [1] Morlok et al., 2016, GCA 70:5371-5394. [2] Alfin g et al., 2019, Geochemistry 79:125532. [3] Nakamura et al. (2022) Science 379:1-15. [4] Seifert et al. (2026) MAPS 61:504-521. [5] Piralla et al. (2021) MAPS 56:809-828.

CI chondrites↗

A Titanium-Based Metal–Organic Framework For Tandem Metallaphotocatalysis

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered substantial attention for their unique properties, such as high porosity and tunable structures, making them versatile for various applications. This paper constructs photoactive titanium–organic frameworks by combining Ti(IV) clusters and a bipyridine linker. The MOF is synthesized in situ through imine condensation, resulting in NU-2300. Subsequent ex situ nickel salt complexation results in NU-2300-Ni, which is then used for light-mediated carbon–heteroatom cross-couplings. The photophysical properties of the metallaphotocatalyst were investigated by UV-vis and EPR analysis, and both the Ti cluster and the bipyridine linker were found to contribute to successful catalysis, making it a tandem catalyst. The heterogeneous material retained its performance through five cycles of thioetherification. As a result, this work contributes not only to MOF synthetic strategies, but also to expanding MOF applications as recyclable, tandem metallaphotocatalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Engineering Escherichia coli for Urease-Driven Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanomaterials

The development of functional nanomaterials with controlled morphologies is essential for advancements in medicine, electronics and computing, energy, catalysis, and environmental applications. However, conventional synthesis methods often demand high energy input and pose significant environmental challenges. Urease-based biomineralization presents an efficient, eco-friendly alternative for nanomaterial production under mild conditions. In this study, we engineered Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) to express a urease gene cluster from Sporosarcina pasteurii using CRAGE-Duet technology. The engineered strain successfully synthesized calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate crystals. Expanding the approach, we synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles, including hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ), and nanocrystalline anatase titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ). These nanomaterials were characterized by electron microscopy, demonstrating the potential of E. coli as a sustainable and versatile platform for green nanomaterial synthesis.

bacteria↗

Relocating microseismicity from downhole monitoring of the Decatur CCS site using a modified double-difference algorithm

SUMMARY The injection of CO2 at the Decatur carbon capture and storage site has generated significant microseismic activity, which occurs in distinct spatial clusters up to approximately 2.2 km from the primary injection well. Accurate and precise event locations are vital for the characterization of the microseismicity to help understand the reservoir response to the CO2 injection, whilst enabling the identification of minor faults and fractures below the resolution of conventional active seismic imaging. However, microseismic monitoring of fluid injection sites, such as Decatur, is often performed using a network of borehole sensors often from a single well. While these downhole sensors have excellent detection capabilities, their poor azimuthal coverage limits the ability to precisely determine event locations. We have developed a modified double-difference relocation algorithm suitable for both 1-D and 3-D velocity models, and which incorporates differential back azimuth observations to allow the benefits of the original double-difference algorithm to be applicable to a downhole microseismic monitoring setting. Applying the modified double-difference algorithm to the microseismicity at Decatur, we have successfully relocated 4293 events. The relocation included over 59 million observations for 757 285 event pairs, split across seven geographic regions. Despite the majority of observations being recorded in only two boreholes, with an almost identical azimuthal coverage, the results have shown to be reliable with significantly reduced residuals and low uncertainties associated with the final locations. We have analysed the residuals in terms of their association with each geographic region, data type, station and individual events, to fully appreciate their influence in the inversion and the fit of the data to the final set of event locations. For each region, the relocated seismicity has become less diffuse with improved clustering, and with newly visible linear features often orientated in a NE–SW direction. These results show the potential improvements that can be made to microseismic event locations recorded by a borehole network with a limited and variable azimuthal distribution.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Commentary on interstellar matter associated with 18 open clusters

Information supplementary to that contained in Section 4 of an article entitled, A CO Survey of Regions Around 34 Open Clusters, (Leisawitz, Bash, and Thaddeus) published in the Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, Volume 70, Number 4, August 1989 is summarized. The information presented here, which describes the interstellar environments of young clusters and some cluster physical characteristics, comes from observations published in the astronomical literature and the author's carbon monoxide (CO) emission line survey, and may help clarify our understanding of the interaction of massive stars with the interstellar medium.

Leisawitz, David↗

New insights into Mn 2+ and Mg 2+ inhibition of calcite growth

Impurity ion and isotope partitioning into carbonate minerals provide a window into the molecular processes occurring at the fluid-mineral interface during crystal growth. Here, we employ calcium isotope fractionation together with process-based modeling to elucidate the mechanisms by which two divalent cations with starkly contrasting compatibility, magnesium and manganese, inhibit calcite growth and incorporate into the mineral lattice. Calcite growth inhibition by Mg 2+ is log-linear and K Mg is on the order of 0.02–0.03 throughout the range of {Mg 2+ }/{Ca 2+ } studied here (0.01–2.6). Mn 2+ exhibits much stronger log-linear growth rate inhibition at low Mn 2+ concentrations (fluid {Mn 2+ }/{Ca 2+ } = 0.001–0.02). Mn 2+ is readily incorporated into the calcite lattice to form a calcite-rhodochrosite solid solution, with large partition coefficients (K Mn 4.6–15.6) inversely correlated to growth rate. For both Mn 2+ and Mg 2+ , calcium isotope fractionation is found to be invariant with {Me 2+ }/{Ca 2+ } despite more than an order of magnitude decline in growth rate. This invariant Δ 44/40 Ca suggests that the presence of Mn 2 + or Mg 2+ does not significantly change the relative rates of Ca 2+ attachment and detachment at kink sites during growth, indicative of a dominantly kink blocking inhibition mechanism. Because the partitioning behavior dictates that Mn 2+ must attach to the surface significantly faster than Ca 2+ , attachment of Mn 2+ is likely to be as a non-monomer species such as an ion pair or possibly a larger polynuclear cluster. We propose that calcite growth rate inhibition by Mn is determined by the kinetics of carbonate attachment at Mn-occupied kink sites, potentially due to slow re-orientation kinetics of carbonate ions that have formed an inner-sphere complex with Mn 2+ at the surface but must reorient to incorporate into the lattice. We demonstrate that patterns in Mg 2+ partitioning and inhibition behavior are broadly consistent with growth inhibition driven by slow Mg 2+ -aquo complex dehydration relative to Ca 2+ but argue that this mechanism likely represents one endmember scenario, seen in Mg-calcite growth at low supersaturations and net precipitation rates. During growth at faster net precipitation rates, some portion of Mg 2+ is likely incorporated as a partially hydrated or otherwise complexed species, but calcite growth remains significantly inhibited by the kinetics of CO 3 2- attachment at Mg 2+ kink sites. These findings suggest a hybrid classical/nonclassical growth mechanism whereby Ca 2+ incorporates largely as a free ion at kink sites while Mn 2+ and some portion of Mg 2+ are incorporated via non-monomer attachment. This pattern may be generalizable; trace constituent cations with aquo-complex desolvation rates significantly slower than the mineral growth rate preferentially incorporate as a non-monomer species during otherwise classical crystal growth.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Radiation Response of Low Dimensional Carbon Systems

The project is aimed at understanding the fundamentals of radiation response of low dimensional carbon systems and irradiation-induced mechanical property changes, with a focus on the unique phenomena caused by their geometry, boundary, and quantum size effects. In comparison with their bulk counterparts (graphite), radiation responses of low-dimensional carbon systems are substantially different. The differences exist at almost every stage of defect development, namely, displacement creation, damage cascade, thermal spike formation defect recombination, defect clustering, and structural reconstruction. Many traditional concepts in ion-solid interaction theory do not apply at the nanoscale or require substantial modification. Through this project, we systematically studied various aspects of radiation damage development in graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphite.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Paleobiology of distinctive benthic microfossils from the upper Proterozoic Limestone-Dolomite "Series," central East Greenland

Populations of Polybessurus bipartitus Fairchild ex Green et al., a large morphologically distinctive microfossil, occur in silicified carbonates of the Upper Proterozoic (700-800 Ma) Limestone-Dolomite "Series," central East Greenland. Large populations of well-preserved individuals permit reconstruction of P. bipartitus as a coccoidal unicell that "jetted" upward from the sediment by the highly unidirectional secretion of extracellular mucopolysaccharide envelopes. Reproduction by baeocyte formation is inferred on the basis of clustered envelope stalks produced by small cells. Sedimentological evidence indicates that P. bipartitus formed surficial crusts locally within a shallow peritidal carbonate platform. Among living microorganisms a close morphological, reproductive, and behavioral counterpart to Polybessurus is provided by populations of an as yet underscribed cyanobacterium found in coastal Bahamian environments similar to those in which the Proterozoic fossils occur. In general morphology and "jetting" behavior, this population resembles species of the genus Cyanostylon, Geitler (1925), but reproduces via baeocyte formation. Polybessurus is but one of the more than two dozen taxa in the richly fossiliferous biota of the Limestone-Dolomite "Series." This distinctive population, along with co-occurring filamentous cyanobacteria and other microfossils, contributes to an increasingly refined picture of ecological heterogeneity in late Proterozoic oceans.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗