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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Pro5 is not essential for the formation of ‘Ni-hook’ in nickel superoxide dismutase

The N-terminus of nickel-dependent superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) forms a structural motif known as the "Ni-hook," where the peptide wraps around the metal to bring cysteine-2 and cysteine-6 into spatial proximity, allowing these residues to coordinate in a cis-geometry. A highly conserved proline-5 residue in the Ni-hook adopts a cis-conformation that is widely considered important for its formation. Herein, we investigate this role by point mutation of Pro5 to alanine. The results obtained show that the variant exhibits wild-type-like redox catalysis and features a Ni(III) center very similar to that found in enzyme. Structural analysis using x-ray absorption spectroscopy of the nickel sites in as-isolated P5A-NiSOD reveals changes in the variant and are consistent with a six-coordinate Ni site with (N/O) 4 S 2 coordination. These changes are attributed to changes in the Ni(II) site structure. Nickel-binding studies using isothermal titration calorimetry reveal two binding events with K d = 25(20) nM, and 250(60) nM. These events are attributed to i) Ni(II) binding to a preformed Ni-hook containing cis-Pro5 and ii) the combination of trans- to cis- isomerization upon Ni(II) binding, respectively. Finally, the higher-affinity binding event is absent in P5A-NiSOD, an observation attributed to the low abundance of the cis-Ala5 isomer in the apo-protein.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Distribution change of oxygen vacancies in layered perovskite type(Sr, La){sub n+1}Fe{sub n}O{sub 3n+1} (n=3)

To elucidate characteristic oxygen vacancy formation in layered perovskite (Sr, La){sub n+1}Fe{sub n}O{sub 3n+1} with the perovskite layer number: n=3, oxygen vacancy content δ of the (Sr{sub 0.775}La{sub 0.225}){sub 4}Fe{sub 3}O{sub 10−δ} (SLF4310) was investigated using a titration technique and a thermogravimetric analysis. The equilibrium constant K for the reduction reaction: Oo{sup ×}+2Fe{sub Fe}{sup ∙} (Fe{sup 4+})=1/2O{sub 2}+Vo{sup ∙∙}+2Fe{sub Fe}{sup ×}(Fe{sup 3+}) was estimated using the vacancy content δ. The Arrhenius plot of the K reveals slope change at approximately 775 °C. From the Rietveld analysis, the oxygen vacancies are the most remarkable at the O2 (O4) sites at lower (higher) temperatures than about 800 °C, which temperature is approximately comparable with that of slope change in the K. These facts mean that distribution of vacancy sites in the SLF4310 changes at approximately 775 °C, accompanying no structural phase transition. The vacancy distribution change affects to the ion conductivity of the SLF4310. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure of (Sr{sub 0.775}La{sub 0.225}){sub 4}Fe{sub 3}O{sub 10−δ} (SLF4310) at 1000 °C. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Distribution change of oxygen vacancies is appeared at approximately 775 °C. • The distribution change with no structure phase transition is the first observation. • The vacancy distribution change affects the ion conductivity of the SLF4310.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effects of Nb-doped on the structure and electrochemical performance of LiFePO{sub 4}/C composites

The olivine-type niobium doping Li{sub 1−x}Nb{sub x}FePO{sub 4}/C (x=0, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.025) cathode materials were synthesized via a two-step ball milling solid state reaction. The effects of Nb doping were charactered by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and galvanostatic charge–discharge. It is found that Nb doping enlarges the interplanar distance of crystal plane parallel to [0 1 0] direction in LiFePO{sub 4}. In other words, it widens the one dimensional diffusion channels of Li{sup +} along the [0 1 0] direction. Electrochemical test results indicate that the Li{sub 0.99}Nb{sub 0.01}FePO{sub 4}/C composite exhibits the best electrochemical performance with initial special discharge capacity of 139.3 mA h g{sup −1} at 1 C rate. The present synthesis route is promising in making the solid state reaction method more practical for preparation of the LiFePO{sub 4} material. - Graphical abstract: The proper amount of Nb doping widens the one dimensional diffusion channels of Li{sup +} along the [0 1 0] direction. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The Nb doping LiFePO{sub 4}/C is prepared by a facile two-step ball milling solid state reaction. • The sample possesses the better high-rate performance. • The tap density of Li{sub 0.99}Nb{sub 0.01}FePO{sub 4}/C sample is 1.76 g cm{sup −3}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

The impact of oxygen nonstoichiometry upon partial molar thermodynamic quantities in PrBaCo{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ}

The coulometric titration data are utilized in order to calculate changes of oxygen partial entropy and enthalpy in PrBaCo{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} with variations of oxygen content and temperature. The thermodynamic equilibrium of the cobaltite with the ambient gas phase is analyzed based on the interface of oxygen exchange and oxidation, and the intrinsic reaction of thermal excitation of Co{sup 3+} cations. The partial thermodynamic functions of the movable oxygen in PrBaCo{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} are shown to be interrelated with the thermodynamic parameters of the defect formation reactions. The existence of a band gap of about 0.4 eV in the electronic spectrum of the cobaltite follows from a favorable comparison of the calculated and experimental dependencies of the partial thermodynamic functions of the movable oxygen. - Graphical abstract: Partial thermodynamic functions of movable oxygen in PrBaCo{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ}. - Highlights: • Thermodynamic functions of oxygen in PrBaCo{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} are obtained from pO{sub 2}–T–δ diagram. • The defect model is developed to describe changes in thermodynamic functions. • Thermodynamic analysis gives evidence to a band gap in PrBaCo{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

The magnetic and neutron diffraction studies of La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles prepared via molten salt synthesis

Series of single-phase La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles (x=0.25−0.47) with the size of about 50 nm was prepared in molten NaNO{sub 2}. TEM evidenced well dispersed particles that are not interconnected by sintering bridges in contrast to traditional products. Interestingly, some reduction of the perovskite cell volume, particularly at higher Sr-contents, was detected by XRD. Moreover, reduced magnetization and decreased Curie temperature in comparison to sol–gel samples were observed. Neutron diffraction analysis of the as-prepared nanoparticles and several comparative samples with x=0.37 indicated that the anomalous behavior of studied particles probably originate in the overdoped outer shell. The overdoping might result from both the surface oxygen chemisorption and from an increased Sr concentration in the shell. By all means, the overdoping would lead to compressive surface stress, driving the x=0.37 ground state toward a mixture of FM and A-type AFM ordering as observed by neutron diffraction. - Graphical abstract: La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles with the size of about 50 nm were prepared by newly established method in molten NaNO{sub 2}. TEM proved the formation of well-separated particles without sintering bridges, the major advantage over traditional preparation methods. - Highlights: • Series of La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}MnO{sub 3} nanoparticles was prepared by novel method in NaNO{sub 2} melt. • Lower magnetization and Curie temperature in comparison to sol–gel nanoparticles was observed. • Overdoping of outer shell was indicated by neutron diffraction and cerimetric titration. • Overdoping shifts La{sub 0.37}Sr{sub 0.63}MnO{sub 3} ground state to a mixture of FM and A-type AFM ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis of sulfonated porous carbon nanospheres solid acid by a facile chemical activation route

Generally, porous carbon nanospheres materials are usually prepared via a template method, which is a multi-steps and high-cost strategy. Here, we reported a porous carbon nanosphere solid acid with high surface area and superior porosity, as well as uniform nanospheical morphology, which prepared by a facile chemical activation with ZnCl{sub 2} using resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resins spheres as precursor. The activation of RF resins spheres by ZnCl{sub 2} at 400 °C brought high surface area and large volume, and simultaneously retained numerous oxygen-containing and hydrogen-containing groups due to the relatively low processing temperature. The presence of these functional groups is favorable for the modification of –SO{sub 3}H groups by a followed sulfonation treating with sulphuric acid and organic sulfonic acid. The results of N{sub 2} adsorption–desorption and electron microscopy clearly showed the preservation of porous structure and nanospherical morphology. Infrared spectra certified the variation of surface functional groups after activation and the successful modification of –SO{sub 3}H groups after sulfonation. The acidities of catalysts were estimated by an indirect titration method and the modified amount of –SO{sub 3}H groups were examined by energy dispersive spectra. The results suggested sulfonated porous carbon nanospheres catalysts possessed high acidities and –SO{sub 3}H densities, which endowed their significantly catalytic activities for biodiesel production. Furthermore, their excellent stability and recycling property were also demonstrated by five consecutive cycles. - Graphical abstract: Sulfonated porous carbon nanospheres with high surface area and superior catalytic performance were prepared by a facile chemical activation route. - Highlights: • Porous carbon spheres solid acid prepared by a facile chemical activation. • It owns high surface area, superior porosity and uniform spherical morphology. • It possesses high acidity and high –SO{sub 3}H density. • It exhibits excellently catalytic performance for esterification of oleic acid.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

A determination of the oxygen non-stoichiometry of the oxygen storage material YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ}

The A-site ordered double-perovskite oxide, YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ}, has been of recent interest for possible application as an oxygen storage material. In the present study, the oxygen non-stoichiometry of YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} has been determined as a function of pO{sub 2} at 650, 700 and 750 °C by Coulometric titration at near-equilibrium conditions. The results confirm that this perovskite oxide has three distinct phases on oxidation/reduction with δ≈0, 0.5 and 1. The stabilities of the YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} phases span a wide range of oxygen partial pressures (∼10{sup −20}≤pO{sub 2}(atm)≤∼1 ) depending on temperature. The phases interconvert at higher pO{sub 2} values at higher temperatures. The partial molar free energies (Δμ{sub O}) corresponding to the oxidation of YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} to YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5.5} and of YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5.5} to YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub ∼6} were determined. The value of Δμ{sub O} in both oxidation steps becomes less negative with increasing temperature. At some T and pO{sub 2} conditions, YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} is unstable with respect to decomposition to BaMnO{sub 3−δ} and YMnO{sub 3}. This instability is anticipated from the previous studies of the synthesis of YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} but is more apparent in the present experiments which are necessarily slow in order to achieve equilibrium with respect to the oxygen content. - Highlights: • Determination of the oxygen non-stoichiometry of YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} as a function of pO{sub 2} and T. • Establishments of pO{sub 2} ranges of stability of O{sub 5} and O{sub 5.5} at 650 °C, 700 °C and 750 °C. • Discovery of the kinetic instability of YBaMn{sub 2}O{sub 5+δ} with respect to decomposition to BaMnO{sub 3}−{sub x} and YMnO{sub 3}. • Evaluation of the thermodynamics of the oxidation of YBaMnO{sub 5}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural and magnetic properties of La2Ni1−xCoxMnO6 compounds

Highlights: • Monoclinic La2Ni1−xCoxMnO6 samples have been prepared using Sol-gel technique. • Rietveld analysis shows an octahedrally distorted double perovskite structure. • The nature of FM interaction and TC depend on the B-site ions. • The short range FM ordering above TC is induced by antisite disorders. • The existence of any spin glass like phase in such system is discarded. - Abstract: Single phase monoclinic La{sub 2}Ni{sub 1−x}Co{sub x}MnO{sub 6} (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.8) compounds, henceforth, referred as LNC{sub x}MO (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.8) have been prepared by Sol–gel technique. The structural study and redox titration suggest that the samples are both La and O deficient. The generated atomic models using Rietveld refined structural parameters show octahedral distortion in the double perovskite structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study has been used to determine the predominant valence states of Ni, Mn and Co ions. LNC{sub x}MO (x = 0.2, 0.4) are found to be Heisenberg ferromagnets whereas LNC{sub 0.8}MO is a phase segregated system. In LNC{sub 0.4}MO and LNC{sub 0.8}MO, at temperatures above T{sub C}, χ{sup −1}(T) curve shows the characteristics of Griffiths phase. The study of ac susceptibility and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) discard the possibility of any glassy state at low temperatures. The antiphase boundaries (APBs), antisite disorders (ASDs) and oxygen vacancies play important roles in this system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

A new highly enriched 233 U reference material for improved simultaneous determination of uranium amount and isotope amount ratios in trace level samples

A highly-enriched 233 U reference material (>0.99987 n( 233 U)/n(U)) has been prepared and characterized for use as an isotope dilution mass spectrometry spike. An ion exchange separation was performed on 1 g of high purity 233 U to further reduce trace amounts of contaminant Pu in the material. The purified 233 U was then prepared as a master solution which was analyzed for molality of uranium by modified Davies and Gray titration. A portion of the master solution was quantitatively diluted and dispensed for reference material units. Selected units were analyzed for verification of uranium amount and to characterize uranium isotope amount ratios by multi-collector inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry. Furthermore, modelling of spike-corrected isotopic data show that the new spike will enable simultaneous measurements of uranium amount and isotope amount ratios with resulting uncertainties that are substantially less sensitive to over spiking than widely used 233 U certified reference materials.

233U↗
DOE OSTI2015

Interaction between human BAP31 and respiratory syncytial virus small hydrophobic (SH) protein

The small hydrophobic (SH) protein is a short channel-forming polypeptide encoded by the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). Deletion of SH protein leads to the viral attenuation in mice and primates, and delayed apoptosis in infected cells. We have used a membrane-based yeast two-hybrid system (MbY2H) and a library from human lung cDNA to detect proteins that bind SH protein. This led to the identification of a membrane protein, B-cell associated protein 31 (BAP31). Transfected SH protein co-localizes with transfected BAP31 in cells, and pulls down endogenous BAP31. Titration of purified C-terminal endodomain of BAP31 against isotopically labeled SH protein in detergent micelles suggests direct interaction between the two proteins. Given the key role of BAP31 in protein trafficking and its critical involvement in pro- and anti-apoptotic pathways, this novel interaction may constitute a potential drug target. - Highlights: • A yeast two-hybrid system (MbY2H) detected BAP31 as a binder of RSV SH protein. • Transfected SH and BAP31 co-localize in lung epithelial cells. • Endogenous BAP31 is pulled down by RSV SH protein. • BAP31 endodomain interacts with the N-terminal α-helix of SH protein in micelles. • This interaction is proposed to be a potential drug target.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Detecting onset of lithium plating during fast charging of Li-ion batteries using operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Electrochemical plating of Li metal on the graphite electrode is the key limitation behind slow charging times of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, electrochemical methods to detect the onset of Li plating while a battery is fast charging are sparse. In this study, we use operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to reliably detect the onset of Li plating on graphite electrodes in three-electrode LIBs. An increase in the graphite solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) resistance indicates that Li plating has occurred. By cross-validating with a highly sensitive ex situ chemical titration, we determine that this technique can detect very small amounts of plated Li (<0.6% of the graphite electrode's capacity). We also offer physical explanations for the observed impedance behavior. Finally, we show that this technique can be applied to standard two-electrode LIB systems, making the method an important step toward safely implementing fast charging protocols for LIBs in EVs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Thermodynamics and solvent linkage of macromolecule–ligand interactions

Binding involves two steps, desolvation and association. While water is ubiquitous and occurs at high concentration, it is typically ignored. In vitro experiments typically use infinite dilution conditions, while in vivo, the concentration of water is decreased due to the presence of high concentrations of molecules in the cellular milieu. Our paper discusses isothermal titration calorimetry approaches that address the role of water in binding. For example, use of D2O allows the contribution of solvent reorganization to the enthalpy component to be assessed. Furthermore, the addition of osmolytes will decrease the water activity of a solution and allow effects on Ka to be determined. In most cases, binding becomes tighter in the presence of osmolytes as the desolvation penalty associated with binding is minimized. In other cases, the osmolytes prefer to interact with the ligand or protein, and if their removal is more difficult than shedding water, then binding can be weakened. Lastly, these complicating layers can be discerned by different slopes in ln(Ka) vs osmolality plots and by differential scanning calorimetry in the presence of the osmolyte.

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

Raman Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometric Analysis for Speciation and Quantitative Analysis of Aqueous Phosphoric Acid Systems

Complex chemical systems that exhibit varied and matrix-dependent speciation are notoriously difficult to monitor and characterize on-line and in real-time. Optical spectroscopy is an ideal tool for in situ characterization of chemical species that can enable quantification as well as species identification. Chemometric modeling, a multivariate method, has been successfully paired with optical spectroscopy to enable measurement of analyte concentrations even in complex solutions where univariate methods such as Beer’s law analysis fail. Here, Raman spectroscopy is used to quantify the concentration of phosphoric acid and its three deprotonated forms during a titration. In this system, univariate approaches would be difficult to apply due to multiple species being present simultaneously within the solution as pH is varied. Locally Weighted Regression (LWR) modeling was used to determine phosphate concentration from spectral signature. LWR results, in tandem with Multivariate Curve Resolution modeling, provide direct measurement of the concentration of each phosphate species using only the Raman signal. Furthermore, results are presented within the context of fundamental solution chemistry, including Pitzer equations to compensate for activity coefficients and non-idealities associated with high ionic strength systems.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Elucidating Electron Storage and Distribution within the Pentaheme Scaffold of Cytochrome c Nitrite Reductase (NrfA)

Cytochrome c nitrite reductases (CcNIR or NrfA) play important roles in the global nitrogen cycle by conserving the usable nitrogen in the soil. Here, the electron storage and distribution properties within the pentaheme scaffold of Geobacter lovleyi NrfA were investigated via EPR spectroscopy coupled with chemical titration experiments. Initially, a chemical reduction method was established to sequentially add electrons to the fully oxidized protein, one equivalent at a time. The step–by–step reduction of the hemes was then followed using UV–Vis and EPR spectroscopy. EPR–spectral simulations elucidate the sequence of heme reduction within the pentaheme scaffold, and identify the signals of all five hemes in the EPR spectra. Electrochemical experiments ascertain the reduction potentials for each heme, observed in a narrow +11 (Heme 5) to –212 mV (Heme 3) range (vs SHE). Based on quantitative analysis/simulation of the EPR data, we demonstrate that Hemes 4 and 5 are reduced first (before the active site Heme 1) and serve the purpose of an electron storage unit within the protein. To probe the role of the central Heme 3, a H108M NrfA variant was generated where the reduction potential of Heme 3 is shifted positively (from –212 mV to +29 mV). Here, the H108M mutation significantly impacts the distribution of electrons within the pentaheme scaffold and the reduction potentials of the hemes, reducing the catalytic activity of the enzyme to 3% compared to wild–type. We propose that this is due to Heme 3’s important role as an electron gateway in the wild–type enzyme.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Universal Reversible Hydrogen Potential for Electrocatalytic Ammonia Splitting Reactions in Nonaqueous Solvents from Unified pH Measurements

In this work, we introduce a new approach of using differential potentiometric measurements in four nonaqueous solvents─MeCN, THF, DMF, and PC─to determine the universal pH abs H 2 O values aligned to the aqueous pH scale for dilute NH 4 + /NH 3 solutions. Knowledge of the pH abs H 2 O values allows simple determination of the reversible hydrogen potential in any given solvent relative to the aqueous standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) and, most importantly, ensures comparability across different solvents. As an independent method, Open Circuit Potenial measurements were carried out in the same solvents titrated with NH 4 + /NH 3 to obtain alternative values for the reversible hydrogen potential in these solvents. The close agreement of these two methods, as well as calculated potentials from literature values when available, substantiates the new, simpler, and more robust approach to determine the reversible hydrogen potential introduced here. We further use the reversible hydrogen potential values established here to report, for the first time, the overpotential for ammonia oxidation as a function of solvent, with a recently discovered ruthenium catalyst.

ammonia↗
DOE OSTI2016

Stable metal–organic framework-supported niobium catalysts

In this study by developing structurally well-defined, supported oxide catalysts remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the grafting of Nb(V) oxide sites onto the nodes of the Zr-based metal organic framework (MOF) NU-1000 as a stable, well-defined catalyst support. Nb(V) oxide was deposited with loadings up to 1.6 mmol/g via two post-synthetic methods: atomic layer deposition in a MOF (AIM), and solution-phase grafting in a MOF (SIM). Difference envelope density (DED) measurements indicated that the two synthetic methods resulted in different local structures of the Nb(V) ions within NU-1000. Despite their high Nb(V) loadings, which were equivalent to >60% surface coverage, nearly all Nb(V) sites of the MOF-supported catalysts were active sites for alkene epoxidation, as confirmed by phenylphosphonic acid titration. The MOF-supported catalysts were more selective than the control Nb-ZrO 2 catalyst for cyclohexene epoxidation with aqueous H 2 O 2 , and were far more active on a gravimetric basis.

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

Complexation of Light Trivalent Lanthanides with N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N',N'-triacetic Acid in Aqueous Solutions: Thermodynamic Analysis and Coordination Modes

N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N',N'-triacetic acid (HEDTA, denoted as H 3 L) is a strong chelating ligand that is widely used in separation of f-elements as relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle. There is much to be known about the structure and composition of the coordination sphere of the complexes of HEDTA with lanthanides. The complexation of HEDTA with light lanthanides (La 3+ , Nd 3+ and Eu 3+ ) was investigated thermodynamically and structurally in aqueous solutions. Potentiometry and microcalorimetry were performed to acquire the complexation constants (25-70°C) and enthalpies (25°C), respectively, at I = 1.0mol·L -1 NaClO 4 . Coordination modes of the complexes were analyzed by luminescence spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results indicate that there are two successive Ln 3+ /HEDTA complexes, LnL(aq) and Ln 2 (H -1 L) 2 2- (Ln 3+ referred to La 3+ , Nd 3+ and Eu 3+ ; H -1 L 4- referred to the deprotonation of the hydroxyl group) during the titration. The hydroxyl group of HEDTA is coordinated in Ln 3+ /HEDTA complex. The dinuclear Ln 2 (H -1 L) 2 2- complex is present as a carboxyl-bridged centrosymmetric dimer, and two carboxyl groups in bridging positions are coordinated to two adjacent Ln 3+ cations. Complexation of the NdL(aq) is exothermic, while formation of the hydrolytic complex Nd 2 (H -1 L) 2 2- is endothermic. Both NdL aq and Nd 2 (H -1 L) 2 2- complexes are driven by entropic force. These data will help to predict the behavior of lanthanides in the separation process where HEDTA is used as the aqueous complexant.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Coupling of Charge Regulation and Geometry in Soft Ionizable Molecular Assemblies

The size, shape, and charge of structures, such as proteins and amphiphile assemblies, respond in an interconnected manner to solution ionic conditions. Here, we analyze assemblies of an amphiphile (C 16 K 2 ), with two ionizable amino acids [lysine (K)] coupled to a 16-carbon alkyl tail, via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann theory (nl-PB), and hybrid Monte Carlo-molecular dynamics (MC-MD) simulations. SAXS revealed structural transitions from spherical micelles to cylindrical micelles to bilayers with increasing pH. By combining SAXS-determined structural information and nl-PB, we derived the molecular degree of ionization as a function of pH. The back-calculated titration curves matched the experimental data over an extended pH range, without adjustable parameters. Similarly, the SAXS data on the evolution of spherical micelle structure with ionic strength were combined with nl-PB and MC-MD to derive the bare and effective charges. MC-MD, which considered finite ion sizes, showed that bare and effective charges saturate quickly with increasing salt concentration. Furthermore, the calculated effective charges closely matched results from Zeta-potential measurements. The presented approach has advantages over customary methods for charge regulation, such as the Henderson–Hasselbalch (HH) or Hill models, where molecular ionization/deionization in assemblies is described by effective pKs that are distinct from the pK for isolated molecules. However, these models lack a physical explanation for these pK shifts. By contrast, our approach of combining structural details with an electrostatic model and simulations provides a more intuitive understanding of structure-charge coupling and a framework for understanding charge regulation in many synthetic and biological systems.

ionization↗