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At least 595 records · Page 33

Lucina pectinata oxyhemoglobin (II-III) heterodimer pH susceptibility

Lucina pectinata live in high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and contains one hemoglobin, Hemoglobin I (HbI), transporting H 2 S and two hemoglobins, Hemoglobin II (HbII) and Hemoglobin (HbIII), transferring dioxygen to symbionts. HbII and HbIII contain B10 tyrosine (Tyr) and E7 glutamine (Gln) in the heme pocket generating an efficient hydrogen bonding network with the (HbII-HbIII)-O 2 species, leading to very low ligand dissociation rates. The results indicate that the oxy-hemeprotein is susceptible to pH from 4 to 9, at acidic conditions, and as a function of the potassium ferricyanide concentration, 100% of the met-aquo derivative is produced. Without a strong oxidant, pH 5 generates a small concentration of the met-aquo complex. The process is accelerated by the presence of salts, as indicated by the crystallization structures and UV–Vis spectra. The results suggest that acidic pH generates conformational changes associated with B10 and E7 heme pocket amino acids, weakening the (HbII-HbIII)-O 2 hydrogen bond network. The observation is supported by X-ray crystallography, since at pH 4 and 5, the heme-Fe tends to oxidize, while at pH 7, the oxy-heterodimer is present. Additionally, conformational changes are observed at higher pH by the presence of a 605 nm transition associated with the iron heme-Tyr interaction. Therefore, pH is one crucial factor regulating the (HbII-HbIII)-O 2 complex hydrogen-bonding network. Thus, it can be proposed that the hydrogen bonding adjustments between the heme bound O 2 and the Tyr and Gln amino acids contribute to oxygen dissociation from the (HbII-HbIII)-O 2 system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Multidimensional molecular high-harmonic spectroscopy: A road map for charge migration studies

This work discusses recent experimental and theoretical analyses of high-harmonic spectroscopy in small molecules, with the aim of characterizing charge migration. We discuss the formulation of molecular high-harmonic spectra followed by methods to extract molecular-target-specific information, both in experiments and ab initio simulations. We present measured and simulated high-harmonic spectra from carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide to illustrate the necessity for multidimensional analyses for high-harmonic spectroscopies that include both the spectral amplitude and phase. Leveraging these results, we examine how such multidimensional analyses pave the way for the study of charge migration with high-harmonic spectroscopy and illustrate the beneficial role a static molecular feature can play when probing dynamics. Finally, we briefly expand our scope with an outlook on the critical role of integrating theoretical and experimental approaches, beyond just high-harmonic spectroscopy, for the development of versatile harmonic spectroscopic probes of charge migration.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Microstructure analysis of laser beam weldments performed on neutron-irradiated 304L steel containing 3 and 8 appm helium

We report that AISI 304 L austenitic stainless steel is one of the major structural materials used in light water reactors (LWRs). In the future, 304 L components may require repair, and several welding techniques have been proposed as candidates. In this study, laser beam welding using the low-energy contribution approach was performed in ~2016 on neutron-irradiated AISI 304 L steel with nominal values of 3 and 8 appm helium (He). The goal was to investigate the impact of helium on the irradiated material weldability and evaluate helium-associated damage. The weld and heat-affected zone (HAZ) microstructure was studied using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of the weldment cross-sections did not reveal severe cracking. Still, evidence of incipient helium-associated damage was observed in the HAZ, manifesting as degraded grain boundaries (GBs) “decorated” by pore chains and mostly small (i.e., ≤ 25-30 µm) scattered cracks. The largest observed crack was ~50 µm in length. Helium-associated damage was localized within ~200-300 µm of the weld pool boundary, and the fraction of the compromised GBs, as a rule, was below ~9-11% of the total GB network. TEM analysis showed significant annealing of the radiation-induced defects at distances up to ~300 µm from the weld pool boundary. Inside the HAZ, the cavities (likely, helium bubbles) tended to form at GBs and inclusions, such as manganese sulfide precipitates in the grain interior. Crystallography analysis of the HAZ damage showed that random high-angle boundaries were most susceptible to helium-associated damage. In contrast, low-angle random boundaries and twin boundaries appeared to be strongly resistant to degradation from the combined effects of helium and welding.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Anode-free, Lean-Electrolyte Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Enabled by Tellurium-Stabilized Lithium Deposition

For realizing practically viable lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, it is imperative to stabilize Li deposition and improve cyclability while reducing excess Li and electrolyte. We have discovered that introducing tellurium (Te) into the Li-S system as a cathode additive significantly improves the reversibility of Li plating and stripping by forming a tellurized and sulfide-rich solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the Li surface. A remarkable improvement in cyclability is demonstrated in anode-free full cells with limited Li inventory and large-area Li-S pouch cells under lean electrolyte conditions. Tellurium reacts with polysulfides to generate soluble polytellurosulfides that migrate to the anode side and form stabilizing lithium thiotellurate and lithium telluride in situ as SEI components. A significant reduction in electrolyte decomposition on the Li surface is also engendered. This work demonstrates Te inclusion as a viable strategy for stabilizing Li deposition and establishes a robust evaluation framework for preserving electrochemical performance under limited Li and limited electrolyte conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modeling assisted synthesis of Zr-doped Li 3-x In 1-x Zr x Cl 6 with ultrahigh ionic conductivity for lithium-ion batteries

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLBs) are an important milestone for the future of energy storage because of their capability of impressive energy density and outstanding safety. However, oxide and sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) suffer from either low ionic conductivity or poor chemical stability. In contrast, halide-based SSEs, are promising as candidate materials owing to high conductivity, good stability, and broad cathode compatibility. Though element doping of the SSEs is an effective and common approach to further improve their electrochemical properties, dopant exploration and optimization through solely experimental trials are both costly and time-consuming. For this aspect, computational simulations for dopant element and concentration screening are adopted in this research and zirconium is selected as a suitable dopant for Li 3 InCl 6 . Further, the synthesized Li 2.75 In 0.75 Zr 0.25 Cl 6 exhibited Li ionic conductivity of 5.82 x 10 -3 Scm -1 at room temperature, which is the highest among reported halide SSEs. The ASSLB formed with Li 2 CoO 2 -Li 2.75 In 0.75 Zr 0.25 Cl 6 -Li/In delivers a high initial capacity of 129.3 mAh∙g -1 . Conclusively, this work provides an effective approach which combines computational modeling and experimental verification for the development of halide SSEs with improved stability and conductivity. The successful design approach and compelling results provide further possibilities and capabilities in future SSE research.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Domain crossover in the reductase subunit of NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase

NADPH-dependent assimilatory sulfite reductase (SiR) from Escherichia coli performs a six-electron reduction of sulfite to the bioavailable sulfide. SiR is composed of a flavoprotein (SiRFP) reductase subunit and a hemoprotein (SiRHP) oxidase subunit. There is no known high-resolution structure of SiR or SiRFP, thus we do not yet fully understand how the subunits interact to perform their chemistry. Here, we used small-angle neutron scattering to understand the impact of conformationally restricting the highly mobile SiRFP octamer into an electron accepting (closed) or electron donating (open) conformation, showing that SiR remains active, flexible, and asymmetric even with these conformational restrictions. From these scattering data, we then model the first solution structure of SiRFP. Further, computational modeling of the N-terminal 52 amino acids that are responsible for SiRFP oligomerization suggests an eight-helical bundle tethers together the SiRFP subunits to form the SiR core. Finally, mass spectrometry analysis of the closed SiRFP variant show that SiRFP is capable of inter-molecular domain crossover, in which the electron donating domain from one polypeptide is able to interact directly with the electron accepting domain of another polypeptide. This structural characterization suggests that SiR performs its high-volume electron transfer through both inter- and intramolecular pathways between SiRFP domains and, thus, cis or trans transfer from reductase to oxidase subunits. Such highly redundant potential for electron transfer makes this system a potential target for designing synthetic enzymes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Location and characterization of heterogeneous phases within Mary Rose wood

Preserving the Mary Rose oak hull for future generations is a major challenge due to the highly heterogeneous nature of waterlogged wooden artifacts, which contain polycrystalline, amorphous, and nanostructured materials that test traditional characterization methods. Effective conservation requires detailed knowledge of the distribution and chemical nature of these species to develop strategies for preventing multiple chemo-mechanical degradation pathways. Here, we apply synchrotron-based computed tomography total scattering methods to the Mary Rose keelson wood that provides valuable position-resolved structural information on multiple embedded species of different length and concentration scales. We identify 5 nm zinc sulfide nanoparticles in the wood, presumably deposits from bacteria operating on the sulfur energy cycle under the anaerobic conditions on the seabed. These are identified as precursors to acid attack on the wood upon removal to an aerobic environment. These insights inform not only next-generation conservation strategies, but also the efficacy and unforeseen issues of previous treatments.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

An artificial intelligence’s interpretation of complex high-resolution in situ transmission electron microscopy data

Complicated nano- and atomic-scale processes with sub-angstrom spatial resolution and millisecond time resolution visualized by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are often highly dynamical and time consuming to analyze and interpret. Here, we report how variational autoencoders (VAEs) can provide an artificial intelligence’s interpretation of high-resolution in situ TEM data by condensing and deconvoluting complicated atomic-scale dynamics into a latent space with reduced dimensionality. We designed a VAE model with high latent dimensions capable of deconvoluting information from complex high-resolution TEM data. We demonstrate how this model, with high latent dimensions trained on atomically resolved TEM images of lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystals, is able to capture movements and perturbations of periodic lattices in both simulated and real in situ TEM data. Importantly, the VAE model shows the capability of detecting and deconvoluting dynamical nanoscale physical processes, such as the rotation of crystal lattices and intra-particle ripening during the annealing of semiconductor nanocrystals.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Influence of elevated temperature and oxygen on the capture of radioactive iodine by silver functionalized silica aerogel

Reprocessing is considered a competent strategy for spent nuclear fuel management, yet radioiodine ( 129 I) is emitted in reprocessing off-gas as a hazardous byproduct. Silver functionalized silica aerogel (Ag 0 -aerogel), a promising iodine capture material, experiences a reduction in its capacity after prolonged exposure to off-gas components at elevated temperatures, a phenomenon termed as aging. To fully understand this process, we isolated the contribution of each aging factor, exposing Ag 0 -aerogel samples to N 2 and dry air gas streams, respectively, at 150 °C for different time periods. Aged samples were loaded with I 2 to examine the capacity change and comprehensively characterized to investigate the evolution of their properties. Results show that temperature alone did not alter Ag 0 -aerogel's capacity but triggered Ag 0 nanoparticles sintering and generated organic sulfur species. The presence of O 2 reduced the capacity by ~20 %, causing (i) formation of silver sulfide (Ag 2 S) crystals and (ii) oxidation of Ag-thiolate (Ag-S-r) to Ag sulfonate (Ag-SO 3 -r). Given that Ag 2 S readily adsorbs I 2 , the formation of Ag-SO 3 -r is the major inhibitor for iodine adsorption. This hypothesis was supported by density functional theory (DFT) simulations. These findings unraveled key mechanisms of Ag 0 -aerogel aging, which are useful in the development of materials that withstand realistic spent-nuclear-fuel-reprocessing off-gas conditions.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Compression molding of anisotropic NdFeB bonded magnets in a polycarbonate matrix

Anisotropic bonded Nd 2 Fe 14 B (NdFeB) magnets in a polycarbonate (PC) binder matrix are fabricated using a compression molding process. The weight fractions (w.f.) of NdFeB in PC on the batch mixer are 20, 50, 75, 85 and 95% compared to the twin screw extruder with 20, 50 and 75% respectively. The density of the 95% batch mixed magnets fabricated was 5.34 g/cm 3 and the magnetic properties are, intrinsic coercivity H ci = 942.99 kA/m, remanence B r = 0.86 T, and energy product (BH) max = 120.96 kJ/m 3 . Furthermore, the measured tensile properties are in the range of 27-59 MPa, comparable to that of polyamide (PA), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) bonded magnets and demonstrating potential for bonded magnet applications. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the onset of failure occurs in the magnetic particle- matrix interface. This study demonstrates that compression additive molding technique can be used to fabricate high performance NdFeB polycarbonate composite magnets with improved mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synthesis and application of thermally responsive nanofiber coatings for overtemperature monitoring

This study presents a one-pot synthesis route to organometallic nanofibers based on copper thiolate, exhibiting distinctive chemical and physical characteristics. Electron microscopy analysis of morphology and composition revealed 2-10 μm-long, 50-90 nm-diameter hollow and non-hollow fibers composed of copper, sulfur, oxygen, hydrocarbon, and chlorine. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a pronounced mass loss within 120°C-135°C. To elucidate the thermal responsive pathways, the nanofibers were characterized before and after heating. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that an initially mixed Cu(I)/Cu(II) oxidation states transition to predominantly Cu(I) upon heating. A layer of nanofiber was coated on battery pouch foil and evaluated as a candidate thermally sensitive coating. At elevated temperature (100-130°C), nanofiber coating released volatile organic compounds, sulfide and sulfur dioxide as detected using multiple gas sensors. This thermally responsive gas release/sensing approach provides a potential large-area temperature monitoring strategy, which is particularly relevant where direct temperature measurements of individual batteries is impractical. The results established proof of concept for nanofiber-coated battery pouch foil as overtemperature warning platform that can provide alerts when surface temperatures exceed a critical threshold. More broadly, the ability to form interconnected fiber networks positions copper thiolate nanofiber coatings as promising materials for advanced applications.

Ihala Gamaralalage, Chanaka [ORNL] (ORCID:00000002↗

Unveiling the critical role of interfacial ionic conductivity in all-solid-state lithium batteries

Advancement of all-solid-state lithium-ion (Li + ) batteries (ASSLIBs) has been hindered by the large interfacial resistance mainly originating from interfacial reactions between oxide cathodes and solid-state sulfide electrolytes (SEs). To suppress the interfacial reactions, an interfacial coating layer between cathodes and SEs is indispensable. However, the kinetics of interfacial Li + transport across the coating layer has not been well understood yet. Herein, we tune the interfacial ionic conductivity of the coating layer LiNb 0.5 Ta 0.5 O 3 (LNTO) by manipulating post-annealing temperature. It is found that the interfacial ionic conductivity determines interfacial Li + transport kinetics and enhancing the interfacial ionic conductivity can significantly boost the electrochemical performance of SE-based ASSLIBs. A representative cathode LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 coated by LNTO with the highest interfacial ionic conductivity exhibits a high initial capacity of 152 mAh.g -1 at 0.1 C and 107.5 mAh.g -1 at 1C. This work highlights the importance of increasing interfacial ionic conductivity for high-performance SE-based ASSLIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

On the irreversible sodiation of tin disulfide

Tin disulfide is considered as a promising electrode material for sodium-ion batteries because of its two-dimensional layered structural characteristics allowing the intercalation of Na ions. Understanding the underlying reaction mechanisms and the decisive step of the reaction reversibility is critical for its applications. Herein, we investigate the sodiation and desodiation processes of SnS 2 by employing in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After the initial intercalation reaction, a rock-salt Na y SnS 2 phase with disordering Na and Sn cations is observed, followed with a conversion reaction and an alloying reaction. Additionally, the disordering reaction occurs along <1-10> direction of pristine SnS 2 phase which is correlated with local bonding rearrangements induced by the exchange of Sn and Na cations. In-situ TEM studies and first-principles calculations indicate that the original 2D SnS 2 structure could not be recovered during desodiation. Instead, the disordered Na y SnS 2 phase is finally formed, which indicates that the irreversible disordering transition is the determining step of irreversible cycling. This work probes the structural evolution of sodiation, providing a fundamental understanding of the electrochemical properties of metal sulfides and inspiring rational designs of high performance electrodes for sodium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Chalcogenide perovskite BaZrS 3 thin-film electronic and optoelectronic devices by low temperature processing

Owing to its superior visible light absorption and high chemical stability, chalcogenide perovskite barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS 3 ) has attracted significant attention in the past few years as a potential alternative to hybrid halide perovskites for optoelectronics. However, the high processing temperatures of BaZrS 3 thin films at above 1000 °C severely limits their potential for device applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of BaZrS 3 thin films at temperatures as low as 500 °C, by changing the chemical reaction pathway. The single phase BaZrS 3 thin film was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy show that crystalline size and surface roughness were consistently reduced with decreasing annealing temperature. The lower temperatures further eliminate sulfur vacancies and carbon contaminations associated with high temperature processing. The ability to synthesize chalcogenide perovskite thin films at lower temperatures removes a major hurdle for their device fabrication. The photodetectors demonstrate fast response and an on/off ratio of 80. Finally, the fabricated field effect transistors show an ambipolar behavior with electron and hole mobilities of 16.8 cm 2 /Vs and 2.6 cm 2 /Vs, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Reviving the rock-salt phases in Ni-rich layered cathodes by mechano-electrochemistry in all-solid-state batteries

The rock-salt phase (RSP) formed on the surface of Ni-rich layered cathodes in liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries is conceived to be electrochemically "dead". Here we show massive RSP forms in the interior of LiNi x Mn y Co (1–x-y) O 2 (NMC) crystals in sulfide based all solid state batteries (ASSBs), but the RSP remains electrochemically active even after long cycles. The RSP and the layered structure constitute a two-phase mixture, a material architecture that is distinctly different from the RSP in liquid electrolytes. The tensioned layered phase affords an effective percolation channel into which lithium is squeezed out of the RSPs by compressive stress, rendering the RSPs electrochemically active. Consequently, the ASSBs with predominant RSP in the NMC cathode deliver remarkable long cycle life of 4000 cycles at high areal capacity of 4.3 mAh/cm 2 . Our study unveils distinct mechano-electrochemistry of RSPs in ASSBs that can be harnessed to enable high energy density and durable ASSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Mass spectrometric investigations into 3D printed parts to assess radiopurity as ultralow background materials for rare event physics detectors

The mass concentrations of 232 Th and 238 U in several 3D printing filaments and printed polymer parts are reported as measures of their radiopurity. In order to minimize background signals in rare event physics detectors, radiopure polymers are necessary as dielectric and structural materials in their construction. New data are reported for polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and two forms of polyetherimide (PEI, branded ULTEM 1010 and 9085). Data for starting filaments and both simple and complex printed parts are reported. PVDF filaments and simple printed beads, were found to have values of approximately 30 and 50 pg g -1 for 232 Th and 238 U, respectively, while a more complex spring clip part had slightly elevated 232 Th levels of 65 pg g -1 , with 238 U remaining at 50 pg g -1 . PPS filament was found to have concentrations of 270 and 710 pg g -1 for 232 Th and 238 U, respectively, and were not chosen to be printed as those levels were already higher than other material options. ULTEM 1010 filaments and printed complex spring clip parts were found to have concentrations of around 5 and 7 pg g -1 for 232 Th and 238 U, respectively, illustrating no significant contamination from the printing process. ULTEM 9085 filaments were found to have concentrations of around 9 and 5 pg g -1 for 232 Th and 238 U, respectively, while the printed complex spring clip part was found to have slightly elevated concentrations of 25 and 7 pg g -1 for 232 Th and 238 U, respectively. All these results were obtained using a novel dry ashing method in crucibles constructed of ultralow background electroformed copper or, when applicable, microwave assisted wet ashing digestion. Samples and process blanks were spiked with 229 Th and 233 U as internal standards prior to dry/wet ashing and determinations were made by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In order to maintain high radiopurity levels, pre-cleaning the filaments before printing and post-cleaning the parts is recommended, although the printing process itself has shown to contribute very minute amounts of radiocontaminants.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A call to standardize metrics for monitoring baleen whales near marine construction activities

Effective monitoring is necessary to protect marine mammal species during the construction of offshore infrastructure. The tools for detecting or monitoring marine mammals span traditional (e.g., visual observers, optical cameras), to newer (e.g., passive acoustic monitoring, infrared cameras, tags), and emerging (e.g., satellite imagery, environmental DNA, dimethyl sulfide concentration) technologies. Some are better suited for use during offshore development; however, peer-reviewed literature does not typically evaluate and report on the performance of these various technologies. We define a minimum set of metrics related to efficacy (i.e., confusion matrix, precision and recall, probability of missed mitigation), detection range (i.e., maximum and reliable detection range, spatial resolution), and data delivery (i.e., detection latency, system reliability, temporal resolution) that we recommend are needed to assess the utility of monitoring technologies for this purpose. Following a literature review of relevant studies, we highlight which publications reported these metrics and used multiple technologies to compare relative performance. We also emphasize the benefits of multi-modal approaches and recommend performance assessments through modeling or large-scale collaborative field testing. These metrics will standardize data collection, reporting, and analysis; promote consistent and comparable results; and foster collaboration among developers, regulatory agencies, and scientists. This may lead to the co-development of technology that achieves multiple goals, has greater application, and can answer research questions while collecting data to fulfill permitting requirements. These metrics may also inform decisions on what systems regulatory agencies might consider using and reduce monitoring costs, which is critical to support the marine sector's rapid growth alongside marine mammal conservation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Crystalline phase transitions and water-soluble complexes of copper(Ⅰ) 2-hydroxyethanethiolate

We report the coordination polymer copper(I) 2-hydroxyethanethiolate, (CuSCH 2 CH 2 OH) n , though insoluble in all common solvents, dissolved readily in basic aqueous solutions of the thiolate anion (HOCH 2 CH 2 S – ) of 2-mercaptoethanol to form a single species: the tetranuclear cluster [Cu 4 (μ-SCH 2 CH 2 OH) 6 ] 2– . From this solution were grown X-ray quality single crystals of copper(I) 2-hydroxyethanethiolate. This compound underwent a hitherto unknown crystal phase transition at ca. 6 °C, from point group P2 1 2 1 2 1 to Pna2 1 , with noticeable changes in the geometry of the Cu-S layer and in the orientation of the alkylthiolate side chains. When the bulky base tetrabutylammonium hydroxide was employed in the aqueous thiolate solution used to dissolve (CuSCH 2 CH 2 OH) n , the water-soluble polynuclear copper(I) complex bis(tetrabutylammonium) hexakis(μ-2-hydroxyethanethiolato) tetracuprate(I), [(C 4 H 9 ) 4 N] 2 [Cu 4 (μ-SCH 2 CH 2 OH) 6 ], could be isolated as X-ray quality crystals. Structural characterization of this complex revealed a tetrahedral arrangement of copper(I) centers with thiolates bridging the edges of the tetrahedra. On standing, this complex degraded to a larger polynuclear Cu(I) sulfide cluster.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗