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DOE OSTI2026

Calibration-free analysis of Li isotope ratios using laser ablation and laser absorption spectroscopy

We introduce a rapid, calibration-free, all-optical method for high-precision lithium isotope ratio measurements in solid materials using laser ablation combined with tunable laser absorption spectroscopy. A new asynchronous acquisition method is used to acquire time-resolved, high-resolution spectra of the 6Li and 7Li D1 and D2 transitions near 671 nm. Isotope ratios and atomic column densities are extracted from measured spectra via a physics-based fitting model including hyperfine structure. Under 1 Torr air, spectra recorded = 0.75 ms after plasma onset exhibit narrow linewidths corresponding to Doppler temperatures = 400 K, enabling resolution of the isotope peaks with high signal-to-noise ratios. Analysis of LiAlO2 samples with varying 6Li:7Li ratios demonstrates isotopic precisions of 0.6–1.7% for spectra acquired in 30 s. Isotope ratios determined from the spectral fits show accuracy within –0.3% to –1.7% of reference ICP-MS measurements without requiring calibration to external standards. By eliminating sample preparation and enabling spatially resolved isotopic mapping, this method offers a rapid analysis approach to lithium isotope determination in solid materials relevant to nuclear energy, safeguards, and geochemistry.

Phillips, Mark C.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Synthesis of Solid-Solution Mn x Zn 1– x O Nanoparticles and their Electrochemical Oxidation of Furfural

Electrochemical valorization of biomass-derived substrates has become a prominent area of research due to its potential to produce value-added products from renewable feedstocks in a more sustainable way. First-row transition metal electrodes are compelling candidates for these conversions due to their stability, abundance, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we report on the colloidal synthesis of Mn x Zn 1– x O (x = 0.3-0.7) nanoparticles and their electrocatalytic activity towards furfural oxidation. We find that the hindrance of a MnO impurity can be achieved by leveraging the oxidation state of the Mn precursor. The Mn x Zn 1– x O composition closely follows the ratio of precursors, with all the nanoparticles having a wurtzite structure as determined by ICP-MS and PXRD, respectively. XANES and XPS revealed the presence of Mn in different oxidation states with the ratio of these varying based on the composition. When comparing the electrocatalytic activity of the monometallic and bimetallic oxides for furfural oxidation, a decrease in current density was observed with increasing Zn content. We find the Mn x Zn 1– x O nanoparticles favor the formation of the 6 e - oxidation product 5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone, while both monometallic oxides primarily yield CO 2 and other deeply oxidized products as the majority pathway. Furthermore, these findings can contribute towards the design and synthesis of more active and selective electrocatalyst.

Aldehydes↗

DOE OSTI2025

Potential-Controlled Deposition of Multilayer CO 2 Reduction Catalyst Films onto Silicon Photoelectrodes Demonstrates Thickness-Dependent Catalytic Rates

Covalently attaching molecular catalysts to semiconductor surfaces yields promising hybrid photoelectrode architectures for reducing CO 2 to higher-value carbon products. Polymeric molecular catalyst films have higher loading densities than their monolayer counterparts, promising greater rates of solar fuel production. Using photoassisted diazonium electrografting, multilayered films of a Re(apbpy)(CO) 3 Cl CO 2 -reduction catalyst were attached to low-doped p-type Si (pSi). Parallel characterization of the newly formed films with ellipsometry, XPS, and ICP-MS revealed that catalyst loading increased with increasingly negative applied grafting potentials (Vgraft), providing us an experimental test bed to study the effects of film thickness on photocatalytic performance. Controlled-potential electrolysis experiments showed enhanced CO evolution rates on all photoelectrodes with increasingly negative applied potentials (V app ), with thicker films exhibiting the greatest rates of enhancement. Competitive proton reduction reactions at the Si surface were not strongly linked to V app but dependent on film thickness, with thicker films showing increased CO-to-H 2 production ratios.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2025

Strained-Induced Morphological Reconstruction of RuO 2 (110) Thin-Film Electrocatalysts

Strain is a widely used strategy for electrocatalyst engineering. Overstraining, however, can lead to unintentional materials transformation. We investigate the impact of strain on the surface morphology of a rutile RuO 2 (110) film grown on a symmetry-matching rutile TiO 2 (110) substrate. When the film thickness exceeds 9 nm, the RuO 2 surface relaxes by forming step edges that expose the {011} plane. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows that the (011) facet is among the lower energy surfaces of rutile RuO 2 , suggesting that this formation incurs minimal energetic penalties. In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that the film maintains the (110) structure of the terrace during electrochemistry. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) further reveals the insensitivity of the Ru dissolution to strain. Here, our findings show a strain-relieving pathway via surface reconstruction in RuO 2 (110) and provide an example of a strain-relieving mechanism that does not affect dissolution.

Evolution reactions↗

DOE OSTI2025

Particle signal considerations for isotope ratio analysis with single particle multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Particle analysis has benefitted from the advent of single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) due to its robustness, sensitivity, and high-throughput nature. Previous methods of spICP-MS have typically utilized quadrupole or time-of-flight mass analyzers and therefore employ electron multiplier-based detectors (such as secondary electron multipliers or microchannel plates). However, to obtain precise measurements on elemental or isotopic ratios within individual particles, multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS) can be used. Here, we investigate Ce isotope ratios, specifically 142 Ce/ 140 Ce, by spMC-ICP-MS using an all-Faraday cup collector array. Using 1 μm (diameter) cerium dioxide particles, integration times of the Faraday cup detectors were varied from 50–500 ms. The signal from the cerium isotopes in the particles was used to determine isotope ratios, which closely matched the expected natural isotopic abundances. Due to the signal decay response from the Faraday cups, the signal from particles lasts much longer than the expected 1–2 ms (up to 100 s of ms). To explore this effect on isotope ratio analysis, multiple ratio analysis methods were used to determine how to obtain optimal precision and accuracy. Relative differences were around 2% for methods that calculated isotope ratios from summing the total signal of an individual particle before calculating the ratio (rather than using every data point individually). It was found that summing all data points per particle, or integrating under the signal peak, yielded both accurate and precise isotope ratios within the particle population. Particles were also sampled off a solid substrate via microextraction, and isotope ratios were determined with relative differences of 0.13% to 9%. This demonstrates the ability to use spMC-ICP-MS to obtain isotope ratios on particles, with little to no relative difference in comparison to the expected ratio, even when operating Faraday detectors at fast 50 ms integration times.

Szakas, Sarah E. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (O↗

DOE OSTI2025

Detection of Br and I as atomic anions using liquid sampling – atmospheric pressure glow discharge/Orbitrap mass spectrometry

The quantification and determination of halogen isotope composition is essential in many fields including geochemistry and nuclear forensics. Detection of the halogen elements is commonly attempted with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) however, there are multiple challenges faced. Most significantly this includes very poor ionization efficiency and the potential for isobaric interferences from either matrix or plasma species. Thus, sensitivity and accuracy are often limiting issues. Here a liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) ionization source is coupled with an ultrahigh resolution Orbitrap MS to perform halogen detection of bromine and iodine as initial analytes. This facilitates simple and sensitive detection of these elements as atomic anions from simple aqueous salt solutions. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) and higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) energies were optimized to produce the maximum response of Br − and I − . The LS-APGD conditions were optimized using a design of experiments (DOE) approach for Br − and I − concurrently. Response curves for Br − and I − solutions determined limit of detection (LOD) values of 50 pg and 5 pg, respectively, in 20 μL aliquots. The curves indicated response factors of 0.67 for 79 Br − and 0.90 for 127 I − . Br isotope ratios were determined with precision between 0.7 and 7.3% RSD, with the isotope ratios determined with precision 0.8% RSD at concentrations above the limit of quantification. Preliminary tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of different cations (Na + , K + , and Mg 2+ ) on Br − responses, with no discernible impacts observed on the halogen signal responses. This study demonstrates the potential use of the LS-APGD-Orbitrap-MS for the detection of multiple halogens while avoiding interferences, minimizing sample preparation, and overcoming ionization barriers.

Lang, Dehlia A. [Clemson University, SC (United St↗

DOE OSTI2025

Time‐series multi‐omics analysis of micronutrient stress in Sorghum bicolor reveals iron and zinc crosstalk and regulatory network conservation

Micronutrient stress impacts growth, biomass production, and grain yield in crops. Multi-omics studies are valuable resources in identifying genes for functional studies and trait improvement, such as accumulation of Fe or Zn under deficient or excess conditions for bioenergy or grain agriculture. We conducted transcriptomics and ionomics analyses on Sorghum bicolor BTx623, grown under Fe and Zn limited and excess conditions over a 21-day period. To identify early and late transcriptional response in roots and leaves, 180 RNAseq libraries were sequenced for differential expression and co-expression network analyses. Fe and Zn accumulation was measured using ICP-MS at each time point, and a fluorometer was used to estimate chlorophyll content in leaves. Among the four treatments, Fe limitation and Zn excess resulted in the largest phenotypic effects and transcriptional response in roots and leaves. Several of the reduction (Strategy I) and chelation (Strategy II) strategy genes that improve bioavailability of Fe and Zn in plant roots often used by non-grass and grass species, respectively, were differentially expressed. Gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis of roots revealed enrichment of genes from Fe limiting and Zn excess which strongly connect to homologues of SbFIT, SbPYE, and SbBTS as hub genes. The GRN for leaf responses showed homologues of SbPYE and SbBTS as hubs connecting genes for chloroplast biosynthesis, Fe-S cluster assembly, photosynthesis, and ROS scavenging. Expression analyses suggest sorghum uses Strategy II genes for Fe and Zn uptake, as expected, but can also utilize Strategy I genes, which may be advantageous in variable moisture environments. We found strong overlap between Fe and Zn responsive GRNs, indicative of micronutrient crosstalk. We also found conservation of root and leaf GRNs, and known homologous genes suggest strong constraints on homeostasis networks in plants. These data will provide a resource for functional genetics to enhance micronutrient transport in sorghum, and opportunities to conduct further comparative GRN analysis across diverse crops species.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2026

Forensic characterization of surrogate nuclear explosion debris: radiochemical and spectroscopic strategies for method validation

Surrogate nuclear explosion debris (SNED) has emerged as a critical platform for advancing post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis in the absence of readily accessible historic materials. SNED enables controlled investigation and validation of analytical methodologies used to interrogate the chemical, isotopic, radiological, and microstructural signatures preserved in nuclear explosion debris. This review presents an integrated assessment of destructive and non-destructive analytical techniques commonly employed within decision-driven nuclear forensic workflows. Each technique is discussed individually while highlighting how it contributes to different stages of post-detonation analysis. Core methods – including gamma and alpha spectrometry, ICP-MS, TIMS, SIMS, SEM-EDS, XRF, LIBS, vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy – are critically evaluated with respect to forensic maturity, information content, and matrix limitations. Emphasis is placed on the role of SNED in benchmarking multi-modal workflows and identifying gaps in reproducing heterogeneity, fractionation, and radiation-driven evolution relevant to forensic attribution.

X-ray spectroscopic methods↗

DOE OSTI2026

Surface Water Quality Data from Beaver-Impacted Streams; Trail Creek and East River, Colorado 2025

This data package contains surface water chemistry measurements collected in 2025 to evaluate how beaver damming and low-tech process-based stream restoration influence water quality and metal mobility in mountainous headwater systems of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Sampling was conducted at Trail Creek (Taylor Park watershed, Colorado), a tributary undergoing restoration through installation of low-tech process-based structures (i.e., beaver dam analogs), and at off-channel beaver ponds within the East River floodplain (East River watershed, Colorado). Samples were collected along longitudinal transects spanning upstream control reaches, beaver-influenced ponded reaches, and downstream segments. Additional samples were collected from near-surface pore waters within a beaver dam seepage face. The dataset includes concentrations of major and trace elements measured by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), major anions measured by ion chromatography (IC), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC; reported as non-purgeable organic carbon, NPOC). Samples were size-fractionated at 0.45 micrometers (µm), 0.22 µm, and 0.02 µm to distinguish particulate (>0.45 µm), colloidal (0.22–0.02 µm), and dissolved (<0.02 µm) fractions. The data package consists of comma-separated value (.csv) files containing tabulated chemical concentration data, sample metadata (site identifiers, geographic coordinates, sampling dates, fraction type), and quality control flags. All files are provided in open, non-proprietary formats that can be accessed using standard data analysis software such as Microsoft Excel, R, Python, MATLAB, or other programs capable of reading .csv files. Units, detection limits, and analytical methods are documented in accompanying metadata files. The dataset is designed to support analyses of (1) how beaver impoundment and restoration structures alter elemental partitioning and transport, (2) the role of iron and organic carbon in mediating trace metal mobility, and (3) reach-scale changes in water quality across restoration gradients. This work was supported by the Watershed Function Science Focus Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory funded by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Part of this work was performed at SLAC Accelerator Laboratory funded by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research under Contract No. DE-AC02-76SF00515.

Anions↗

DOE OSTI2025

Application of Raman Spectroscopy to Determine Uranium Content in ADUN Solution

The work presented in this report is part of the ongoing efforts to address the nuclear material control and accounting needs for advanced reactor fuel fabrication facilities. This work was supported by the Materials Protection, Accounting, and Control Technologies (MPACT) program under the US Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy‘s Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain program. The activities and engagements under the MPACT program are designed to support a robust US civilian nuclear energy enterprise. In the work described in this report, we supported MPACT objectives by developing measurement techniques that could be used for material accounting and process monitoring and by working with industry partners to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement. Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been working with commercial tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel fabricators such as Standard Nuclear to develop technology for rapid and cost-effective uranium content assessment. This work has focused on demonstrating advanced measurement techniques (e.g., Raman spectroscopy) that can be used for rapid, reliable, and cost-effective routine measurements of uranium content in feed solutions and liquid waste streams as well as for monitoring in-line process measurements and product streams. Specifically, this report explores techniques for accurately determining uranium content in acid-deficient uranyl nitrate (ADUN) solutions and detecting low uranium concentrations in ammonia solutions. Developing such measurement techniques will benefit TRISO fuel fabrication facilities, facilities involved in other parts of the fuel cycle that require online monitoring of aqueous solutions, and potentially molten salt fuel reactors. This work supports developing Raman spectroscopy procedures to determine uranium concentrations in ADUN solutions, which are used as feedstock in the sol–gel process for creating TRISO fuel. Some additional benefits of using Raman spectroscopy for uranium quantification in fabrication facilities include enabling online monitoring of the chemical process, which would provide near real-time feedback; eliminating the need for sample transfers, preparation, or dilution; providing nondestructive measurements; and user friendliness. In this fiscal year, FY25, we determined the identity of the unknown Raman band at approximately 853 cm−1 that was discovered in ADUN Raman spectra in FY24, created calibration curves and determined uranium concentrations of two ADUN solutions, and compared the Raman results to results obtained from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Davies–Gray titration. Furthermore, we have identified focus areas for experimentation in future fiscal years. A key result is that the accuracy of using Raman can provide accuracy comparable to destructive analysist techniques, With a well-developed calibration curve, using standards and a large number of samples (more than five samples), uncertainty on the order of 1%–3% is achievable. Given that the uncertainties achieved by Raman spectroscopy were on the order of the uncertainties achieved using ICP-MS, we conclude that with a well-developed procedure Raman spectroscopy can be used to determine uranium concentrations in ADUN solutions for NMC&A applications. The benefits of such an approach are that the time and effort will be less than that of comparable destructive analysis techniques, with approximately the same level of technical expertise. This will be attractive to operators of fuel fabrication facilities as it will lower costs and improve efficiencies.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Characterization of Tank 9H Annulus Sample in Support of Residual Material Inventory Determinations

The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) was requested by Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) to provide sample preparation and characterization of the Tank 9H annulus sample in support of Residual Material Inventory Determinations. One Tank 9H sample in three vials [HTF-9-25-13, HTF-9-25-14 and HTF-9-25-15], with each vial containing approximately 200 mL of the Tank 9H annulus salt solution, were delivered to the SRNL Shielded Cells for sample preparation and characterizations in February 2025. The density of the “as-received” solution contained in each of the three Tank 9H annulus sample vials were determined followed by a solid-liquid separation on each one using 0.45-micron Nalgene® nylon filter membranes. The resulting filtrates were combined to form the Tank 9H annulus sample with a total volume of about 600 mL. The combined wet solid fractions, about a total of 4.8 grams of salt material, remaining on the filter membranes were air-dried in the Shielded Cells for 72 hours. The total weight of the air-dried solids was 2.1 grams. These air-dried solids were washed with deionized water (DI water) at a phase ratio of 60 mL DI water/gram of solids to recover insoluble solids, if any. No visible or measurable quantity of insoluble solids were recovered after DI water washing of the air-dried solids because the air-dried solids completely dissolved in the DI water. The solid fraction-wash water was not combined with the 600 mL of the filtrate solution, and the resulting solution was not screened or analyzed for radionuclides. Aliquot sample volumes of the undiluted Tank 9H annulus sample were sent to the SRNL analytical services groups for radionuclides, elementals, anions and total mercury analysis by various methods including radiochemical separations/counting methods, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and special preparations. All sample analyses were performed in triplicate. This report presents the analytical characterization results for the Tank 9H annulus sample. The results are also reported where analytical methods yielded additional analytes, other than those requested by SRMC. In the characterization of the Tank 9H annulus sample, the detection limits for all the analytes, as specified in the Technical Task Request (TTR) and Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan (TTQAP), were met.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2026

Radioactivity-in-materials lead for nEXO (Final Scientific Report)

Abstract, introduction, and summary of work completed and products produced by DOE award SC002466. Primary products were six peer-reviewed publications and two PhD theses. This award also supported the operation of an underground HPGe detector and several radioassay measurements: one in a stand alone publication in Phys. Rev. C and the others in an upcoming nEXO radioassay summary paper. The nEXO collaboration aims to demonstrate the Majorana nature of the neutrino by observing the neutrinoless double-beta decay of 136 Xe with a next-generation experiment. The University of Kentucky nEXO group (UKY) operates a world-leading ultra-low-background γ-ray spectrometer as part of the nEXO radioactive background control R&D effort. The nEXO project is a proposed ton-scale neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment. The UKY PI is leading the radioactivity content assessment for all materials required by the nEXO project. As a subset of this task, UKY is also responsible for project-wide management of all low-background γ-ray spectrometry measurements; material assays with these types of instruments, together with ICP-MS, neutron-activation-analysis, and α-spectrometry, are critical to ensuring that the nEXO project can achieve its design sensitivity

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Refining Methods to Determine the Isotopic Composition of Uranium Particles by Laser Ablation MC-ICP-MS

We report on efforts to mitigate the generation of isotopic anomalies during the ablation of micrometer-sized uranium oxide particles and analysis by MC-ICP-MS. The results of testing on particles of U200 indicate that laser fluence and frequency can affect isotopic data produced by laser ablation, but no settings were tested that could eradicate the signal spiking effect and generation of anomalous isotopic data for 234U/238U and 236U/238U. These anomalies are more frequent in samples with higher 235U enrichments, which is expected given their higher abundances of 234U and 236U. Of the standards tested here, only U005-A was anomaly-free. Efforts to compare the laser traces for particles with normal and anomalous isotopic compositions showed subtle differences in the behavior of the 234U/238U and 236U/238U ratios. However, it would be challenging to identify anomalous data points from a population of unknowns using this distinction, i.e., this is unlikely to be diagnostic. Thus, using current analytical hardware, we cannot eradicate the signal spiking phenomenon and cannot unambiguously identify isotopic anomalies from laser ablation traces. Ultimately, laser ablation ICP-MS would either require dramatic improvement to the ablation process and generation of more homogenous aerosols and/or improvements to detector electronics to identify and correct for the spiking phenomenon. Even if the reliability of the technique could be improved, a broader question to address is whether current data quality is of a high enough standard for laser ablation MC-ICP-MS to be used as a complementary technique to LG-SIMS for Safeguards.

organic↗

DOE OSTI2025

Application of Electrochemical Methods to Molten Salt Reactors: Draft TLR Documenting Assessment of Electrochemical Monitoring

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is developing the regulatory framework and technical expertise to support regulatory review of advanced non-water reactors, including molten salt reactors (MSRs). In an MSR, it is essential that the salt chemistry be maintained in a desired range in terms of redox potential for reliable operation and mitigation of corrosion to structural materials in the reactor, particularly the reactor vessel and heater exchanger. Measuring the redox potential of the salt in the reactor would also allow for the material lifetimes to be predicted more accurately, and chemical issues to be diagnosed more quickly. In addition to the chemical composition analysis by ICP-MS, electrochemical methods including potentiometry and linear wave scanning (LSC) were also used in molten salt reactor experiment (MSRE) for redox potential monitoring purposes. Electrochemcial methods offers unique advantages such as quick turnaround in results and unique capability of in-line monitoring of redox potential, and are considered popular electroanalytical techniques that can be used to monitor redox potentials and salt chemistry including impurities. The last two decades have seen significant advances in science and engineering of electrochemical methods for potential application to molten salts. The primary goal of this report is to assist NRC in understanding the monitoring of the salt chemistry by electrochemical methods and provide NRC reviewers with necessary information and tools to support regulatory review of MSR designs. This reports consists of two majors parts—Part 1, chemical potential of molten salts and effects by fission process in MSR; Part 2, assessment of electrochemical methods for application to MSRs. The TRLs of the typical relevant electrochemical methods for molten salts were evaluated based on the DOE TRL guidelines and upon a review of the current status of the electrochemical methods for two typical salt systems, fluoride and chloride, for MSRs.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2026

ORNL Report of Analysis for the Verification of NRMP CRM U030A

In support of the Certified Reference Material (CRM) program managed by the Nuclear Reference Material Program (NRMP), the Material Signatures and Isotopic Standards (MSIS) group of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was asked to prepare a set of CRM U030A units for use as standards for isotopic analysis using multicollector thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments. This report documents the results of the verification measurements performed on three randomly selected units by the MSIS group’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited operating procedure CSD-AM-CIMS-IN20, Determination of Uranium and Plutonium Isotopic Composition using Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry [1], and in accordance with the quality assurance plan as described in QAP-X-96-CSD/RML-001, Nuclear Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Section Quality Assurance Plan [2].

Mathew, Kattathu [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (O↗

DOE OSTI2025

Fungal elemental profiling unleashed through rapid laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Elemental profiling of fungal species as a phenotyping tool is an understudied topic and is typically performed to examine plant tissue or non-biological materials. Traditional analytical techniques such as inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) have been used to identify elemental profiles of fungi; however, these techniques can be cumbersome due to the difficulty of preparing samples. Additionally, the instruments used for these techniques can be expensive to procure and operate. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an alternative elemental analytical technique—one that is sensitive across the periodic table, easy to use on various sample types, and is cost-effective in both procurement and operation. LIBS has not been used on axenic filamentous fungal isolates grown in substrate media. In this work, as a proof of concept, we used LIBS on two genetically distinct fungal species grown on a nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor substrate media to determine whether robust elemental profiles can be detected and whether differences between the fungal isolates can be identified. This data set contains the raw LIBS spectral data for the summarized results described inRush, et. al. 2024

elemental profiling↗

DOE OSTI2025

Fundamental Data Supporting Novel Radiochemical Separations

Rapid chemical separation of actinide, lanthanide, and other radioactive elements is an important pursuit in the field of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry. Vital to the development of advanced systems to achieve such separations is the determination of elements’ distribution coefficients (Kd values) for chromatographic resins. In this study, batch contacts of 68 elements were performed with various commercially available resins, and the resulting distribution coefficients were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry Analysis (ICP-MS). An evaluation of the resulting Kd data for elements on the resins was performed. Finally, this work presents prototype flowsheets for streamlined separation of radioisotopes from a variety of complex matrices.

Distribution Coefficient↗

DOE OSTI2025

Analysis of Extracted Ingredients from Dairy Byproduct Using Dimethyl Ether

Whey permeate is a byproduct created in large quantities from the dairy industry with limited applications due to transportation and stability. Whey permeate is primarily comprised of water, carbohydrates, and minerals with minimal contribution of proteins. Various biomasses in food processing have utilized liquid dimethyl ether (DME) as a form of extraction for high-value ingredients and dewatering. DME is a growing interest in wastewater and biomass treatment due to it being a green solvent, ability to dissolve organic solvents, and miscibility with water. The current study is to determine if DME can effectively dewater whey permeate as well as recover components that can be further used in the food industry as a value-added ingredient. Analysis of the liquid extract and solid extract was evaluated with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and solid extracts were further characterized with the application of a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

09 - BIOMASS FUELS↗