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At least 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of C P asymmetries in Λ b 0 → p h − decays

A search for C P violation in Λ b 0 → p K − and Λ b 0 → p π − decays is presented using the full Run 1 and Run 2 data samples of p p collisions collected with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb − 1 at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. For the Run 2 data sample, the C P -violating asymmetries are measured to be A C P p K − = ( − 1.4 ± 0.7 ± 0.4 ) % and A C P p π − = ( 0.4 ± 0.9 ± 0.4 ) % , where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. Following significant improvements in the evaluation of systematic uncertainties compared to the previous LHCb measurement, the Run 1 dataset is reanalyzed to update the corresponding results. When combining the Run 2 and updated Run 1 measurements, the final results are found to be A C P p K − = ( − 1.1 ± 0.7 ± 0.4 ) % and A C P p π − = ( 0.2 ± 0.8 ± 0.4 ) % , constituting the most precise measurements of these asymmetries to date. © 2025 CERN, for the LHCb Collaboration 2025 CERN

Aaij, R. (ORCID:0000000305331952)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of C P Violation Observables in D + → K − K + π + Decays

A search for violation of the charge-parity ( C P ) symmetry in the D + → K − K + π + decay is presented, with proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb − 1 , collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. A novel model-independent technique is used to compare the D + and D − phase-space distributions, with instrumental asymmetries subtracted using the D s + → K − K + π + decay as a control channel. The p value for the hypothesis of C P conservation is 8.1%. The C P asymmetry observables A C P | S ϕ π + = ( 0.95 ± 0.4 3 stat ± 0.2 6 syst ) × 10 − 3 and A C P | S K ¯ * 0 K + = ( − 0.26 ± 0.5 6 stat ± 0.1 8 syst ) × 10 − 3 are also measured. These results show no evidence of C P violation and represent the most sensitive search performed through the phase space of a multibody decay. © 2024 CERN, for the LHCb Collaboration 2024 CERN

Aaij, R. (ORCID:0000000305331952)↗
DOE OSTI2025

First Determination of the Spin-Parity of Ξ c ( 3055 ) + , 0 Baryons

The Ξ b 0 ( − ) → Ξ c ( 3055 ) + ( 0 ) ( → D + ( 0 ) Λ ) π − decay chains are observed, and the spin-parity of Ξ c ( 3055 ) + ( 0 ) baryons is determined for the first time. The measurement is performed using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of s = 13 TeV , corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb − 1 , recorded by the LHCb experiment between 2016 and 2018. The spin-parity of the Ξ c ( 3055 ) + ( 0 ) baryons is determined to be 3 / 2 + with a significance of more than 6.5 σ ( 3.5 σ ) compared to all other tested hypotheses. The up-down asymmetries of the Ξ b 0 ( − ) → Ξ c ( 3055 ) + ( 0 ) π − transitions are measured to be − 0.92 ± 0.10 ± 0.05 ( − 0.92 ± 0.16 ± 0.22 ), consistent with maximal parity violation, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. These results support the hypothesis that the Ξ c ( 3055 ) + ( 0 ) baryons correspond to the first D -wave λ -mode excitation of the Ξ c flavor triplet. © 2025 CERN, for the LHCb Collaboration 2025 CERN

Aaij, R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rational Design and Reticulation of Infinite qbe Rod Secondary Building Units into Metal–Organic Frameworks through a Global Desymmetrization Approach for Inverse C 3 H 8 /C 3 H 6 Separation

Abstract The development of reticular chemistry has enabled the construction of a large array of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with diverse net topologies and functions. However, dominating this class of materials are those built from discrete/finite secondary building units (SBUs), yet the designed synthesis of frameworks involving infinite rod‐shaped SBUs remain underdeveloped. Here, by virtue of a global linker desymmetrization approach, we successfully targeted a novel Cu‐MOF (Cu‐ASY) incorporating infinite Cu‐carboxylate rod SBUs with its structure determined by micro electron diffraction (MicroED) crystallography. Interestingly, the rod SBU can be simplified as a unique cylindric sphere packingqbetubule made of [4 3 .6 2 ] tiles, which further connect the tritopic linkers to give a newly discovered 3,5‐connectedgfcnet. Cu‐ASY is a permanent ultramicroporous material featuring 1D channels with highly inert surfaces and shows a preferential adsorption of propane (C 3 H 8 ) over propene (C 3 H 6 ). The efficiency of C 3 H 8 selective Cu‐ASY is validated by multicycle breakthrough experiments, giving C 3 H 6 productivity of 2.2 L/kg. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that C 3 H 8 molecules form multiple C−H⋅⋅⋅π and atypical C−H⋅⋅⋅ H−C van der Waals interactions with the inner nonpolar surfaces. This work therefore highlights the linker desymmetrization as an encouraging and intriguing strategy for achieving unique MOF structures and properties.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2024

Graphitic Carbon Nitride Quantum Dots (g‐C 3 N 4 QDs): From Chemistry to Applications

Since their emergence in 2014, graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C 3 N 4 QDs) have attracted much interest from the scientific community due to their distinctive physicochemical features, including structural, morphological, electrochemical, and optoelectronic properties. Owing to their desirable characteristics, such as non-zero band gap, ability to be chemically functionalized or doped, possessing tunable properties, outstanding dispersibility in different media, and biocompatibility, g-C 3 N 4 QDs have shown promise for photocatalysis, energy devices, sensing, bioimaging, solar cells, optoelectronics, among other applications. As these fields are rapidly evolving, it is very strenuous to pinpoint the emerging challenges of the g-C 3 N 4 QDs development and application during the last decade, mainly due to the lack of critical reviews of the innovations in the g-C 3 N 4 QDs synthesis pathways and domains of application. Herein, an extensive survey is conducted on the g-C 3 N 4 QDs synthesis, characterization, and applications. Scenarios for the future development of g-C 3 N 4 QDs and their potential applications are highlighted and discussed in detail. In conclusion, the provided critical section suggests a myriad of opportunities for g-C 3 N 4 QDs, especially for their synthesis and functionalization, where a combination of eco-friendly/single step synthesis and chemical modification may be used to prepare g-C 3 N 4 QDs with, for example, enhanced photoluminescence and production yields.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Photodepositing CdS on the Active Cyano Groups Decorated g‐C 3 N 4 in Z‐Scheme Manner Promotes Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract g‐C 3 N 4 /CdS heterojunctions are potential photocatalysts for hydrogen production but their traditional type‐II configuration generally leads to weak oxidative and reductive activity. How to construct the novel Z‐scheme g‐C 3 N 4 /CdS counterparts to address this issue remains a great challenge in this field. In this work, a new direct Z‐scheme heterojunction of defective g‐C 3 N 4 /CdS is designed by introducing cyano groups (NC‐) as the active bridge sites. Experimental observations in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the unique electron‐withdrawing feature of cyano groups in the defective g‐C 3 N 4 /CdS heterostructure can endow this photocatalyst with numerous advantageous properties including high light absorption ability, strong redox performance, satisfactory charge separation efficiency, and long lifetime of charge carriers. Consequently, the resultant photocatalytic system exhibits more active performance than CdS and g‐C 3 N 4 under visible light and reaches an excellent hydrogen evolution rate of 1809.07 µmol h −1 g −1 , which is 6.09 times higher than pristine g‐C 3 N 4 . Moreover, the defective g‐C 3 N 4 /CdS photocatalyst maintains good stability after 40 h continuous test. This work provides new insights into design and construction of Z‐scheme heterojunctions for regulating the visible‐light‐induced photocatalytic activity for H 2 evolution.

Wang, Zhipeng↗
DOE OSTI2022

Exploring Material Solutions for Supercritical CO 2 Applications above 800 °C

There has been recent interest in exploring revolutionary supercritical CO 2 (sCO 2 ) power cycles, and this exploratory investigation was seeking materials with CO 2 compatibility at up to 1200 °C. Here, initial exposures were conducted at 0.1 and 2 MPa CO 2 for up to 1000 h at 900–1200 °C. As expected, specimens of Mo and W that might be used as matrix materials in cermets were rapidly attacked under these conditions. Even an alumina-forming FeCrAlMo alloy showed high mass gains in less than 100 h at 1200 °C due to the formation of Fe-rich oxide. However, at 900–1100 °C, more protective behavior was observed for FeCrAlMo specimens, with or without pre-oxidation, in 0.1 MPa CO 2 , but increased attack was observed in 2 MPa CO 2 . In contrast, most Ni-based alloys exposed at 900–1100 °C showed higher mass gains and thicker reaction products than formed in air. Thus, Ni-based alloys appear less compatible with CO 2 environments above 800 °C compared to lower temperatures. Low mass gains were observed for CVD SiC at 900–1200 °C, but MoSi 2 and Mo(Si,Al) 2 specimens did not form protective scales under these conditions at 1000 and 1100 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effects of pH on the nano/micro structure of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) under sulfate attack

Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), the most important Portland cement hydration product, determines the mechanical properties and durability of cementitious materials. In marine environment, C-S-H often suffers from sulfate attack – one of the most common and severe degradations for concrete. pH is considered as a critical factor in determining the deterioration behavior of C-S-H during sulfate attack, of which the significance may be overlooked. This study focused on the role of pH on the deterioration of C-S-H in terms of the composition and nano/micro structure under sulfate attack. The results show that lowering pH aggravates the decalcification of C-S-H, whereas a strong alkaline condition is beneficial to increase the resistance to deterioration. An increase in the mean chain length together with the proportion of large pores (>10 nm) is observed when C-S-H is subjected to low-pH sulfate attack (pH = 10–12), resulting in a relatively loose structure. The deep analysis on defective tobermorite model reveals that calcium at the interlayer of C-S-H nanostructure is readily removed under sulfate attack, thereby improving the potential of Si-O-Si groups formation and increases the mean chain length of C-S-H.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Solid-state reaction mediated microstructural evolution in a spark plasma sintered in situ Ti–B 4 C composite

For this study, a novel porosity-free in situ Ti–B 4 C composite was fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS). Detailed analysis of the phase evolution, coupling results from XRM, XRD and SEM-EBSD-EDS, indicate that primarily TiB 2 precipitates formed due to the in-situ reactions between the boron-carbide and titanium powders. The precipitation of TiB 2 resulted in the formation of a graphitic C-rich thin layer circumscribing the partially reacted B 4 C particles. Further progression of the in-situ reaction leads to the out-diffusion of the excess carbon from the B 4 C particles, across the graphite and TiB 2 phases, forming TiC upon reacting with the titanium matrix. Therefore, the final microstructure primarily consisted of TiB 2 , TiC, and partially reacted B 4 C phases, with small amounts of TiB, α-Ti, and graphite. Furthermore, the microstructure in these SPS processed in situ composites appeared to be the product of a solid-state Ti–B 4 C diffusion couple, substantially different from their fusion-based additively manufactured counterparts. Nano-indentation tests revealed a remarkably high average hardness of ~25 GPa for this SPS-processed Ti–B 4 C composite and comparable (with literature) phase-specific hardness and modulus values for the constituent TiB 2 , TiC, and B 4 C phases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

13 C-metabolic flux analysis of Clostridium ljungdahlii illuminates its core metabolism under mixotrophic culture conditions

Carbon dioxide-fixing acetogenic bacteria (acetogens) utilizing the Wood-Ljungdahl Pathway (WLP) play an important role in CO 2 fixation in the biosphere and in the development of biological processes – alone or in cocultures, under both autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions – for production of chemicals and fuels. To date, limited work has been reported in experimentally validating and quantifying reaction fluxes of their core metabolic pathways. Here, the core metabolic model of the acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii was interrogated using 13 C-metabolic flux analysis ( 13 C-MFA), which required the development of a new defined culture medium. Autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic growth in defined medium was possible by adding 1 mM methionine to replace yeast extract. Our 13 C-MFA found an incomplete TCA cycle and inactive core pathways/reactions, notably those of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, Entner-Doudoroff pathway, and malate dehydrogenase. 13 C-MFA during mixotrophic growth using the parallel tracers [1– 13 C]fructose, [1,2– 13 C]fructose, [1,2,3– 13 C]fructose, and [U– 13 C]asparagine found that externally supplied CO 2 contributed the majority of carbon consumed. All internally-produced CO 2 from the catabolism of asparagine and fructose was consumed by the WLP. While glycolysis of fructose was active, it was not a major contributor to overall production of ATP, NADH, and acetyl-CoA. Gluconeogenic reactions were active despite the availability of organic carbon. Asparagine was catabolized equally via conversion to threonine and subsequent cleavage to produce acetaldehyde and glycine, and via deamination to fumarate and then the anaplerotic conversion of malate to pyruvate. Both pathways for asparagine catabolism produced acetyl-CoA, either directly via pyruvate or indirectly via the WLP. Cofactor stoichiometry based on our data predicted an essentially zero flux through the ferredoxin-dependent transhydrogenase (Nfn) reaction. Instead, nearly all of NADPH generated from the hydrogenase reaction was consumed by the WLP. Reduced ferredoxin produced by the hydrogenase reaction and glycolysis was mostly used for ATP generation via the RNF/ATPase system, with the remainder consumed by the WLP. NADH produced by RNF/ATPase was entirely consumed via the WLP.

13C metabolic flux analysis↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optical 14 C Tracing for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications Using Two-Color Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy

Laser-based 14 C quantitation has been proposed as a more affordable, higher-throughput, table-top alternative to accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of a mid-IR 14 C detector based on two-color cavity ringdown spectroscopy (2C-CRDS) for low-level 14 C isotope tracing in biological studies. The 2C-CRDS technique quantifies the sample 14 C content by measuring the 14 CO 2 absorption signals from the combusted samples with mid-IR lasers. With 2C-CRDS, we previously demonstrated the most sensitive and accurate optical measurements of 14 CO 2 . The current detection sensitivity and quantitation accuracy of the instrument, at a few parts per quadrillion (where a quadrillion = 10 15 ) 14 C/C mole fraction, is competitive against AMS. Here, by applying the 2C-CRDS 14 C sensor to two applications relevant to 14 C-labeled biochemical analysis and pharmaceutical studies, we demonstrate sub-fCi level (where 1 fCi = 10 –15 Ci) quantitation of sample 14 C activity, with a minimum sample-size requirement of 3 mg of carbon. The current measurement throughput, ~25 min/sample, is largely limited by the sampling efficiency of the online combustion and CO 2 processing interface to the 2C-CRDS instrument. The possibility of a significantly improved measurement throughput of a few minutes per sample is suggested by the results of a flow-through 14 CO 2 sampling scheme. In conclusion, this improved measurement efficiency, combined with the relatively low cost and compact size of a 2C-CRDS sensor, could potentially revolutionize high-sensitivity 14 C tracing in biological, pharmaceutical, and clinical studies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Mechanistic Studies of an Iron-Catalyzed Intermolecular C–H Amination Reaction under Catalytic Conditions and Having a Large KIE

The conversion of C–H bonds into amines by nitrene insertion is an attractive transformation since it is both atom- and step-economical, and provides a direct route to functionalizing hydrocarbons. Using an iron catalyst [{( tBu pyrr) 2 pyr}Fe(OEt 2 )] (1-OEt 2 ) (( tBu pyrr) 2 pyr 2– = 3,5- t Bu 2 -bis(pyrrolyl)pyridine), we recently demonstrated the catalytic conversion of weak C–H bonds into secondary amines using aryl azides as the nitrene source [Zars, E.; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202311749]. Here, we describe detailed mechanistic studies of this intermolecular C–H amination reaction under catalytic conditions. We find by Variable Time Normalization Analysis (VTNA) that the conversion of xanthene (2-H 2 ) and 2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl azide ( Me 3) catalyzed by 1-OEt 2 is an overall 3/2 order process, being 1 st order in 2-H 2 and half order in Me 3. A kinetic isotope effect study (KIE) using 2-d 2 results in a significant decrease in the rate (KIE = 61(15)), which clearly implicates the C–H insertion step as rate-determining. Furthermore, treatment of 1-OEt 2 with one equivalent of N 3 -2,6- i Pr 2 –C 6 H 3 yields the mixed-valence C–N coupled product [( tBu pyrr) 2 pyrFe-N═C(2,6 i Pr 2 –Ph)═N-(2,6 i Pr 2 –Ph))Fe tBu pyrrpyr(2-H-pyrr)] (5 iPr ). Quantum chemical calculations confirm the electronic structure of the mixed-valence dimer in 5 iPr and rationalize the Hammett correlation by a delicate balance in the dinuclearization of the catalytically active monomers. Calculations further indicate significant tunneling for the pivotal H atom abstraction by the iron-imidyl complex. Combining all these results allows us to propose a mechanism consisting of imido formation in equilibrium with a radical-coupled diiron system, followed by stepwise C–H insertion via a linear H atom abstraction transition state and subsequent radical rebound.

azides↗
DOE OSTI2023

Delivering Robust Proton-Only Sensing of Hyperpolarized [1,2- 13 C 2 ]-Pyruvate Using Broad-Spectral-Range Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Pulse Sequences

Hyperpolarized [1- 13 C]pyruvate is the leading hyperpolarized injectable contrast agent and is currently under evaluation in clinical trials for molecular imaging of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. One aspect limiting broad scalability of the technique is that hyperpolarized 13 C MRI requires specialized 13 C hardware and software that are not generally available on clinical MRI scanners, which employ proton-only detection. Here, we present an approach that uses pulse sequences to transfer 13 C hyperpolarization to methyl protons for detection of the 13 C– 13 C pyruvate singlet, employing proton-only excitation and detection only. The new pulse sequences are robust to the B 1 and B 0 magnetic field inhomogeneities. The work focuses on singlet-to-magnetization (S2M) and rotor-synchronized (R) pulses, both relying on trains of hard pulses with broad spectral width coverage designed to effectively transform hyperpolarized 13 C 2 -singlet hyperpolarization to 1 H polarization on the CH 3 group of [1,2- 13 C 2 ]pyruvate. Finally, this approach may enable a broader adoption of hyperpolarized MRI as a molecular imaging technique.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Mathematical Reconstruction of Land Carbon Models From Their Numerical Output: Computing Soil Radiocarbon From C Dynamics

Radiocarbon ( 14 C) is a powerful tracer of the global carbon cycle that is commonly used to assess carbon cycling rates in various Earth system reservoirs and as a benchmark to assess model performance. Therefore, it has been recommended that Earth System Models (ESMs) participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 report predicted radiocarbon values for relevant carbon pools. However, a detailed representation of radiocarbon dynamics may be an impractical burden on model developers. Here, we present an alternative approach to compute radiocarbon values from the numerical output of an ESM that does not explicitly represent these dynamics. The approach requires computed 12 C stocks and fluxes among all carbon pools for a particular simulation of the model. From this output, a time-dependent linear compartmental system is computed with its respective state-transition matrix. Using transient atmospheric 14 C values as inputs, the state-transition matrix is then applied to compute radiocarbon values for each pool, the average value for the entire system, and component fluxes. We demonstrate the approach with ELMv1-ECA, the land component of an ESM model that explicitly represents 12 C, and 14 C in 7 soil pools and 10 vertical layers. Results from our proposed method are highly accurate (relative error <0.01%) compared with the ELMv1-ECA 12 C and 14 C predictions, demonstrating the potential to use this approach in CMIP6 and other model simulations that do not explicitly represent 14 C.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Isolation and characterization of a covalent Ce IV -Aryl complex with an anomalous 13 C chemical shift

The synthesis of bona fide organometallic Ce IV complexes is a formidable challenge given the typically oxidizing properties of the Ce IV cation and reducing tendencies of carbanions. Herein, we report a pair of compounds comprising a Ce IV – C aryl bond [Li(THF) 4 ][Ce IV (κ 2 - ortho -oxa)(MBP) 2 ] ( 3-THF ) and [Li(DME) 3 ][Ce IV (κ 2 - ortho -oxa)(MBP) 2 ] ( 3-DME ), ortho -oxa = dihydro-dimethyl-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-oxazolide, MBP 2– = 2,2'-methylenebis(6- tert -butyl-4-methylphenolate), which exhibit Ce IV – C aryl bond lengths of 2.571(7) – 2.5806(19) Å and strongly-deshielded, Ce IV – C ipso 13 C{ 1 H} NMR resonances at 255.6 ppm. Computational analyses reveal the Ce contribution to the Ce IV – C aryl bond of 3-THF is ~12%, indicating appreciable metal-ligand covalency. Computations also reproduce the characteristic 13 C{ 1 H} resonance, and show a strong influence from spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects on the chemical shift. The results demonstrate that SOC-driven deshielding is present for Ce IV – C ipso 13 C{ 1 H} resonances and not just for diamagnetic actinide compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Directing CO 2 electroreduction pathways for selective C 2 product formation using single-site doped copper catalysts

Manipulating the selectivity-determining step in post-C–C coupling is crucial for enhancing C 2 product specificity during electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction, complementing efforts to boost rate-determining step kinetics. Here we highlight the role of single-site noble metal dopants on Cu surfaces in influencing C–O bond dissociation in an oxygen-bound selectivity-determining intermediate, steering post-C–C coupling toward ethylene versus ethanol. Integrating theoretical and experimental analyses, we demonstrate that the oxygen binding strength of the Cu surface controls the favorability of C–O bond scission, thus tuning the selectivity ratio of ethylene-to-ethanol. The Rh-doped Cu catalyst with optimal oxygen binding energy achieves a Faradaic efficiency toward ethylene of 61.2% and an ethylene-to-ethanol Faradaic efficiency ratio of 4.51 at –0.66 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode). Integrating control of both rate-determining and selectivity-determining steps further raises ethylene Faradaic efficiency to 68.8% at 1.47 A cm -2 in a tandem electrode. Our insights guide the rational design of Cu-based catalysts for selective CO 2 electroreduction to a single C 2 product.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Photodissociation of iso-propoxy (i-C 3 H 7 O) radical at 248 nm

Photodissociation of the i-C 3 H 7 O radical is investigated using fast beam photofragment translational spectroscopy. Neutral i-C 3 H 7 O radicals are produced through the photodetachment of a fast beam of i-C 3 H 7 O - anions and are subsequently dissociated at 248 nm (5.0 eV). Furthermore, the dominant product channels are CH 3 + CH 3 CHO and OH + C 3 H 6 with some contribution from H + C 3 H 6 O. The CH 3 and H loss channels are attributed to dissociation on the ground electronic state of i-C 3 H 7 O, but in a nonstatistical manner because calculated RRKM dissociation rates exceed the rate of energy randomization. Translational energy and angular distributions for OH loss are consistent with ground state dissociation, but the branching ratio for this channel is considerably higher than predicted from RRKM rate calculations. Additionally, i-C 3 H 7 O undergoes three-body fragmentation to CH 3 + CH 3 + HCO and CH 3 + CH 4 + CO. These three-body channels are attributed to dissociation of i-C 3 H 7 O to CH 3 + CH 3 CHO, followed by secondary dissociation of CH 3 CHO on its ground electronic state.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

In situ catalyst activation and regeneration enable energy-efficient high-current CO 2 reduction to ethanol-rich C 2+ mixtures

Electrochemical conversion of dissolved CO 2 in bicarbonate electrolytes, i.e., bicarbonate electrolysis, offers distinct advantages over gas diffusion electrode systems by enabling direct utilization of the CO 2 capture electrolyte while bypassing the energy-intensive CO 2 release step. However, bicarbonate electrolysis faces challenges such as CO 2 mass-transfer limitation, local pH-driven CO 2 depletion, and high cathodic potentials. The higher potential often causes catalyst surface reorganization, leading to a gradual loss of active sites and variations in selectivity during CO 2 reduction. Here, we report a directed, in situ activation and regeneration method that allows precatalysts to equilibrate under dynamic (pulsed) electrolysis conditions. We demonstrate in situ activation of a scalable Cu 2 O/Cu mesh that, under short-width (t = 4 s) pulsed electrolysis, provides stable mixed oxidation states of Cu, favoring the formation of an ethanol-rich crude mixture. The pulsed electrolysis waveform, consisting of six distinct segments, is tuned to form Cu + oxides, which are then reduced to generate local alkaline conditions favoring C–C coupling. This synergistic effect results in FEs of 73% for C2+ products and 39% for ethanol at an applied current density of −150 mA cm −2 and a cathodic potential of −1.45 V (vs. RHE). The overall half-cell energy efficiency is ∼30% for C 2+ products. The in situ Raman experiments confirm the role of pCO 2 R in dynamically regenerating Cu+-containing surface species during pulsed operation, thereby steering selectivity towards C 2+ products. A comprehensive multiscale, multiphysics model is developed to investigate the dynamic behavior of copper surface species (Cu, Cu + , and Cu 2+ ) and local microenvironmental conditions during the pCO 2 R. The results reveal that the coexistence of different copper oxidation states, especially the Cu+ intermediate, is critical in steering selectivity towards multicarbon (C 2+ ) products. The dynamic modulation of surface redox states via tailored pulsing strategies favors C–C coupling pathways by inducing localized alkaline conditions and stabilizing reactive intermediates. This work establishes a predictive modeling platform that links pulse waveform design with mechanistic insights into catalyst state evolution and product selectivity. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the synergistic effect of in situ activation of pre-catalysts and pulsed electrolysis for higher selectivity towards C 2+ products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗