Particle arrangements in clay slurries: The case against the honeycomb structure
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Virus-like particles (VLPs) from bacteriophage MS2 provide a platform to study protein self-assembly and create engineered systems for drug delivery. Here, we aim to understand the impact of intersubunit interface mutations on the local and global structure and function of MS2-based VLPs. In previous work, our lab identified locally supercharged double mutants [T71K/G73R] that concentrate positive charge at capsid pores, enhancing uptake into mammalian cells. To study the effects of particle size on cellular internalization, we combined these double mutants with a single point mutation [S37P] that was previously reported to switch particle geometry from T = 3 to T = 1 icosahedral symmetry. These new variants retained their enhanced cellular uptake activity and could deliver small-molecule drugs with efficacy levels similar to our first-generation capsids. Surprisingly, these engineered triple mutants exhibit increased thermostability and unexpected geometry, producing T = 3 particles instead of the anticipated T = 1 assemblies. Transmission electron microscopy revealed various capsid assembly states, including wild-type (T = 3), T = 1, and rod-like particles, that could be accessed using different combinations of these point mutations. Molecular dynamics experiments recapitulated the structural rationale in silico for the single point mutation [S37P] forming a T = 1 virus-like particle and showed that this assembly state was not favored when combined with mutations that favor rod-like architectures. Through this work, we investigated how interdimer interface dynamics influence VLP size and morphology and how these properties affect particle function in applications such as drug delivery.
The work by Kuo and colleagues on growing synthetic snowflakes and calculating their single-scattering properties has demonstrated great potential to improve the retrievals of snowfall. To grant colleagues flexible and targeted access to their large collection of sizes and shapes at fifteen (15) microwave frequencies, we have developed a web-based Application Programming Interface (API) integrated with NASA Goddard's Precipitation Processing System (PPS) Group. It is our hope that the API will enable convenient programmatic utilization of the database. To help users better understand the API's capabilities, we have developed an interactive web interface called the OpenSSP API Query Builder, which implements an intuitive system of mechanisms for selecting shapes, sizes, and frequencies to generate queries, with which the API can then extract and return data from the database. The Query Builder also allows for the specification of normalized particle size distributions by setting pertinent parameters, with which the API can also return mean geometric and scattering properties for each size bin. Additionally, the Query Builder interface enables downloading of raw scattering and particle structure data packages. This presentation will describe some of the challenges and successes associated with developing such an API. Examples of its usage will be shown both through downloading output and pulling it into a spreadsheet, as well as querying the API programmatically and working with the output in code.
The evolution of neutron single-particle spectra in molybdenum isotopes was calculated on the basis of the dispersive optical model over the region extending from stable isotopes to the neutron drip line. The question of how the dependence of surface absorption on the neutron–proton asymmetry and the weakening of spin–orbit interaction affect the single-particle spectra in question is studied. The results agree with the concept according to which the shell effect becomes weaker near the neutron drip line.
Nickel-rich lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, NMC (LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 ), materials are desirable positive electrodes in lithium ion batteries, providing high capacity and energy density. The mesoscale structure of NMC materials is commonly a polycrystalline aggregate, providing opportunity for short lithium ion transport distance of the small primary particles, yet facile material handling due to the larger secondary particles. On (de)lithiation the NMC unit cell changes volume, where the anisotropic strain can result in secondary particle fracture. This secondary particle fracture process during cycling has been associated with several degradation modes of NMC materials in LIBs. In this work, a milling process was determined whereby the secondary particles could be pre-fractured with retention of the parent primary particle crystallographic structure, crystallite size, and morphology, providing the ability to unambiguously determine the influence of NMC secondary particle size and mesostructure on resultant functional behavior. The bulk and interfacial properties and electrochemistry of as-received commercially obtained polycrystal NMC811 (LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 , PC NMC) and its milled MPC NMC counterpart were compared. The smaller secondary particle size, higher surface area MPC NMC was found to result in 1) greater cathode tortuosity, 2) reduced surface Ni on the cycled MPC cathodes consistent with surface reconstruction, and 3) increased Ni deposition on the anodes from cathode-anode crosstalk. These factors manifested in unfavorable electrochemical behavior of MPC with lower functional capacity at both 1C and C/10 rates and higher impedance over extended moderate voltage (dis)charge cycling.
The quasi-parallel interplanetary shock of November 11-12, 1978 from both the collisionless shock and energetic particle points of view were studied using measurements of the interplanetary magnetic and electric fields, solar wind electrons, plasma and MHD waves, and intermediate and high energy ions obtained on ISEE-1, -2, and -3. The interplanetary environment through which the shock was propagating when it encountered the three spacecraft was characterized; the observations of this shock are documented and current theories of quasi-parallel shock structure and particle acceleration are tested. These observations tend to confirm present self consistent theories of first order Fermi acceleration by shocks and of collisionless shock dissipation involving firehouse instability.
Fabrication of functional polymer-based particles by crosslinking UV-curable polymer drops in mid-air and collecting crosslinked particles in a solid container, a liquid suspension, or an air flow. The particles can contain different phases in the form or layered structures that contain one to multiple cores, or structures that are blended with dissolved or emulsified smaller domains. A curing system produces ultraviolet rays that are directed onto the particles in the jet stream from one side. A reflector positioned on other side of the jet stream reflects the ultraviolet rays back onto the particles in the jet stream.
Fabrication of functional polymer-based particles by crosslinking UV-curable polymer drops in mid-air and collecting crosslinked particles in a solid container, a liquid suspension, or an air flow. The particles can contain different phases in the form or layered structures that contain one to multiple cores, or structures that are blended with dissolved or emulsified smaller domains. A curing system produces ultraviolet rays that are directed onto the particles in the jet stream from one side. A reflector positioned on other side of the jet stream reflects the ultraviolet rays back onto the particles in the jet stream.
New experimental data on the neutron single-particle character of the Pygmy Dipole Resonance (PDR) in Pb 208 are presented. They were obtained from ( d , p ) and resonant proton scattering experiments performed at the Q3D spectrograph of the Maier-Leibnitz Laboratory in Garching, Germany. The new data are compared to the large suite of complementary, experimental data available for Pb 208 and establish ( d , p ) as an additional, valuable, experimental probe to study the PDR and its collectivity. Furthermore, besides the single-particle character of the states, different features of the strength distributions are discussed and compared to large-scale shell model (LSSM) and energy-density functional plus quasiparticle-phonon model theoretical approaches to elucidate the microscopic structure of the PDR in Pb 208 .
ISEE 1, 2 and 3 data from 1978 on interplanetary magnetic fields, shock waves and particle energetics are examined to characterize a quasi-parallel shock. The intense shock studied exhibited a 640 km/sec velocity. The data covered 1-147 keV protons and electrons and ions with energies exceeding 30 keV in regions both upstream and downstream of the shock, and also the magnitudes of ion-acoustic and MHD waves. The energetic particles and MHD waves began being detected 5 hr before the shock. Intense halo electron fluxes appeared ahead of the shock. A closed magnetic field structure was produced with a front end 700 earth radii from the shock. The energetic protons were cut off from the interior of the magnetic bubble, which contained a markedly increased density of 2-6 keV protons as well as the shock itself.
Uranium is typically the most abundant radionuclide by mass in radioactive wastes and is a significant component of effluent streams at nuclear facilities. Actinide(IV) (An(IV)) colloids formed via various pathways, including corrosion of spent nuclear fuel, have the potential to greatly enhance the mobility of poorly soluble An(IV) forms, including uranium. This is particularly important in conditions relevant to decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the geological disposal of radioactive waste. Previous studies have suggested that silicate could stabilize U(IV) colloids. Here the formation, composition, and structure of U(IV)-silicate colloids under the alkaline conditions relevant to spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal were investigated using a range of state of the art techniques. The colloids are formed across a range of pH conditions (9-10.5) and silicate concentrations (2-4 mM) and have a primary particle size 1-10 nm, also forming suspended aggregates <220 nm. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, ultrafiltration, and scanning transmission electron microscopy confirm the particles are U(IV)-silicates. Additional evidence from X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function data suggests the primary particles are composed of a UO2-rich core and a U-silicate shell. U(IV)-silicate colloids formation correlates with the formation of U(OH)3(H3SiO4)3 2- complexes in solution indicating they are likely particle precursors. Finally, these colloids form under a range of conditions relevant to nuclear fuel storage and geological disposal of radioactive waste and represent a potential pathway for U mobility in these systems.
Nanometer-thick reconstruction layers on layered cathode surfaces have been widely observed on both pristine and cycled materials. However, the mechanisms of reconstruction and the role that these structures play in electrochemical performance are not fully understood. From a crystallographic perspective, such surface reconstruction layers result from cation site-mixing between Li and transition-metal ions, but it remains far from clear as to what the critical factors are that control such cation mixing for various cathode chemistries. In this paper, we report observations on surface transformations during cycling of a Ni-rich cathode-oxide that are governed by direct contact with the liquid electrolyte. Specifically, within a secondary particle, the three-dimensional hierarchical aggregate of primary particles leads to the formation of grain boundaries of different characteristics, including open grain boundaries that allow the permeation of liquid electrolyte, and closed grain boundaries that exclude liquid electrolyte penetration. Upon battery cycling, surfaces in direct contact with the liquid electrolyte showed a surface reconstruction layer while the surfaces that did not have contact with the electrolyte showed no such reconstructions. In addition, the critical role of oxygen in reconstruction of grain boundaries is demonstrated, and the unexpected oxygen depletion at twin boundaries result in severe phase transitions. The present work provides further insights into phase transitions at solid-solid and solid-liquid interfaces within secondary cathode particles and suggests strategies for mitigating surface/interfacial degradation.
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The reported research establishes a semi-analytical computational predictive model of fractal microstructure in ball-milled metal foils and powder particulates, with emphasis on its transformation mechanics via an energy-based approach. The evolving structure is composed of reconfigurable warped ellipsoid material domains, subjected to collisions with the ball milling impactors following Brownian motion energetics. In the first step of the model, impacts are assumed to generate ideal Hertzian elastic stress fields, with associated bulk deformations quantified as per Castigliano's strain energy methods. In the second stage of the model, elastic energies are recast to produce frictional slip and plastic yield, thus resulting in surface micro-joints. Only two parameters of the model necessitate experimental calibration, performed by comparison of joint energy with laboratory tensile measurements on ball-milled multilayer Al-Ni foils. Model predictions of evolving internal microstructure are validated against SEM micrographs of Al-Ni powder particulate samples for different ball milling durations. Results demonstrate the capability of the model to accurately capture relevant fractal measures of the microstructure of ball-milled powders.
Expansion waves propagating into particle beds are found in many manmade and natural applications. Rapid decompression of a highly pressurized powder bed or a volcanic eruption are two such examples. In this investigation, we perform fully resolved simulations of expansion waves propagating into particle beds of three different volume fractions using the discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method code, cmt-nek. We validate state-of-the-art drag models for a particle in an unsteady compressible flow and show good agreement, particularly at lower volume fractions. We model the particle bed as a nozzle or area reduction and, using isentropic flow relations, predict the final pressure, temperature, and Mach number extremely well in each case.
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