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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Combining disdrometer, microscopic photography, and cloud radar to study distributions of hydrometeor types, size and fall velocity

Addressing solid precipitation poses additional challenges compared to warm rain due to complex hydrometeor shapes involved, including the dependence of fall velocity on hydrometeor sizes, hydrometeor size distributions, and hydrometeor classification. This study is an extension of our previous work (Niu et al., 2010) to address these challenges by combining measurements from a PARSIVEL disdrometer, microscope photography, and millimeter wavelength cloud radar. The combined measurements are analyzed to classify the precipitation hydrometeor types, examine the dependence of fall velocity on hydrometeor sizes for different hydrometeor types, and determine the best distributions to describe the hydrometeor size distributions of different hydrometeor types. The results show: (1) Hydrometeors can be classified to four main types of raindrop, graupel, snowflake and mixed-phase according to the dependence of terminal velocity on particle sizes, corresponding microscope photos and cloud radar observations; (2) There are significant scatters in fall velocity for a given hydrometer size velocities, and the fall velocity spread for the solid hydrometeors appear wider than that for raindrops across hydrometeor sizes, with that for the mixed-phase precipitation being largest, suggesting that the effects of hydrometeor shape on hydrometeor fall velocities; (3) Hydrometeor size distributions for the four types can all be well described by the Gamma or Weibull distribution; Weibull (Gamma) distribution performs better when skewness is less (larger) than 2.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Hydration level dependence of the microscopic dynamics of water adsorbed in ultramicroporous carbon

Even when not functionalized intentionally, most carbon materials are not hydrophobic and readily adsorb water molecules from atmospheric water vapor. We have equilibrated an ultramicroporous carbon at several levels of relative humidity, thereby attaining various hydration levels. The water molecules were adsorbed on the pore walls (but did not fill completely the pore volume) and thus could be better described as hydration, or surface, rather than confined, water. We used quasielastic neutron scattering to perform a detailed investigation of the dependence of microscopic dynamics of these adsorbed water species on the hydration level and temperature. The behavior of hydration water in ultramicroporous carbon clearly demonstrates the same universal traits that characterize surface (hydration) water in other materials that are surface-hydrated. In addition, unless special treatment is intentionally applied to ultramicroporous carbon, the species filling its pores in various applications, ranging from hydrogen molecules to electrolytes, likely find themselves in contact with non-freezing water molecules characterized by rich microscopic dynamics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Computational design of microscopic swimmers and capsules: From directed motion to collective behavior

Systems of motile microscopic particles can exhibit behaviors that resemble those of living microorganisms, including cooperative motion, self-organization, and adaptability to changing environments. Using mesoscale computational modeling, we design synthetic microswimmers and microcapsules that undergo controllable, self-propelled motion in solution. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels are used to actuate the microswimmers and to enable their navigation and chemotaxing behavior. The self-propelled motion of microcapsules on solid surfaces is achieved by the release of encapsulated solutes that alter the surface adhesiveness. These signaling solutes also enable interactions among multiple microcapsules that lead to complex, cooperative behavior. Our findings provide guidelines for creating microscopic devices and machines able to autonomously move and mimic the communication and chemotaxis of biological microorganisms.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Macroscopic and microscopic behaviors of Mn(II) (ad)sorption to goethite with the effects of dissolved carbonates under anoxic conditions

Manganese and its compounds have been extensively researched because of their far-reaching roles in a wide range of biogeochemical processes in natural systems. The (ad)sorption behavior of Mn(II), however, is poorly understood despite its important role as the primary reaction step for surface-catalyzed Mn(II) oxidation that is the principal abiotic process forming various Mn (oxyhydr)oxides in nature. Here, we systematically examined Mn(II) (ad)sorption to one of the most common natural sorbents, goethite, in oxygen- and carbonate-free systems. Traditional sorption edge and isotherm experiments were conducted by varying sorbate-to-sorbent ratio (0.027–15 μmol∙m -2 ) and solution pH (pH 5.0–9.0). The effects of dissolved carbonates on Mn(II) sorption were also assessed in a range of naturally prevalent concentrations (0.5–10 mM NaHCO 3 ). The Mn(II) uptake on goethite followed a typical Langmuir isotherm in the absence of dissolved carbonates, with increasing maximum adsorption capacities (Γ max ) from 0.19 at pH 6.5 to 3.4 μmol∙m -2 at pH 9.0. The presence of dissolved carbonates raised the extent of Mn(II) adsorption, which appeared to be directly correspondent to that of the adsorption of dissolved carbonates. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis indicated that Mn(II) predominantly formed inner-sphere binuclear bidentate surface complexes. Mn(II) uptake became deviated from the Langmuir model and showed a clear indication of surface precipitation when the Mn(II) sorption density (Γ) exceeded a threshold value in a given solution composition. This secondary Mn(II) phase was identified as rhodochrosite using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Furthermore, it would be plausible that a minor fraction of adsorbed Mn(II) coexisted with the secondary rhodochrosite according to a linear combination fitting (LCF) of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra of Mn reference and samples. These systematic investigations of the macroscopic and microscopic behaviors of Mn(II) (ad)sorption to goethite provide a critical avenue for disentangling surface-catalytic Mn(II) oxidation processes, which ultimately lead to the formation of diverse Mn (oxyhydr)oxides in the environment.

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

Microscopic ejecta measurements from hypervelocity impacts on aluminum and powdered regolith targets

Meteoroids and space debris pose a two-fold threat to spacecraft due to the risk of both mechanical damage from the impact and electrical damage from the impact-generated plasma, which produces electromagnetic emissions. Analysis of impact products, however, has the potential to provide useful information about planetary rings and small solar system bodies, such as asteroids and comets. Understanding the plasma dynamics and radiation mechanism is essential to addressing the impact threat and extracting science data from impacts. Charge attachment to condensed-phase debris may lead to a dusty plasma under certain conditions, so interpreting hypervelocity impacts requires knowledge of both the nature of the plasma and of the ejecta. We address the latter with measurements of the microscopic ejecta distribution produced by light gas gun impacts on solid aluminum and powdered regolith simulant targets. We examine both the size and shape of the ejecta using thin-film witness plates and find that the size distributions of microscopic ejecta follow power laws. Observations from the powdered regolith simulant match well with disruption experiments of solid basalt, while measurements from the aluminum impacts diverge from extrapolations based on studies of macroscopic debris. Analysis of the ejecta shape shows a transition from smooth to irregularly shaped ejecta at the material grain size, and the shape of debris may provide insight on the phase of the ejected material. Finally, based on our results, we predict a significant number of secondary impacts on plasma sensors due to ejecta, even at considerable distance from the target, supporting the hypothesis that charged dust affects plasma measurements in the ejecta curtain.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Microscopic Disease Extension in Three Dimensions for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Development of a Prediction Model Using Pathology-Validated Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography Features

Purpose: One major uncertainty in radiotherapy planning of non-small-cell lung cancer concerns the definition of the clinical target volume (CTV), meant to cover potential microscopic disease extension (MDE) around the macroscopically visible tumor. The primary aim of this study was to establish pretreatment risk factors for the presence of MDE. The secondary aim was to establish the impact of these factors on the accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) to assess the total tumor-bearing region at pathologic examination (CTV{sub path}). Methods and Materials: 34 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who underwent CT and PET before lobectomy were included. Specimens were examined microscopically for MDE. The gross tumor volume (GTV) on CT and PET (GTV{sub CT} and GTV{sub PET}, respectively) was compared with the GTV and the CTV at pathologic examination, tissue deformations being taken into account. Using multivariate logistic regression, image-based risk factors for the presence of MDE were identified, and a prediction model was developed based on these factors. Results: MDE was found in 17 of 34 patients (50%). The MDE did not exceed 26 mm in 90% of patients. In multivariate analysis, two parameters (mean CT tumor density and GTV{sub CT}) were significantly associated with MDE. The area under the curve of the two-parameter prediction model was 0.86. Thirteen tumors (38%, 95% CI: 24-55%) were identified as low risk for MDE, being potential candidates for reduced-intensity therapy around the GTV. In the low-risk group, the effective diameter of the GTV{sub CT/PET} accurately represented the CTV{sub path}. In the high-risk group, GTV{sub CT/PET} underestimated the CTV{sub path} with, on average, 19.2 and 26.7 mm, respectively. Conclusions: CT features have potential to predict the presence of MDE. Tumors identified as low risk of MDE show lower rates of disease around the GTV than do high-risk tumors. Both CT and PET accurately visualize the CTV{sub path} in low-risk tumors but underestimate it in high-risk tumors.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Adaptive Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Does Not Underdose the Microscopic Disease and has the Potential to Increase Tumor Control

Purpose: To evaluate doses to the microscopic disease (MD) in adaptive radiotherapy (ART) for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to model tumor control probability (TCP). Methods and Materials: In a retrospective planning study, three-dimensional conformal treatment plans for 13 patients with locally advanced NSCLC were adapted to shape and volume changes of the gross tumor volume (GTV) once or twice during conventionally fractionated radiotherapy with total doses of 66 Gy; doses in the ART plans were escalated using an iso-mean lung dose (MLD) approach compared to non-adapted treatment. Dose distributions to the volumes of suspect MD were simulated for a scenario with synchronous shrinkage of the MD and GTV and for a scenario of a stationary MD despite GTV shrinkage; simulations were performed using deformable image registration. TCP calculations considering doses to the GTV and MD were performed using three different models. Results: Coverage of the MD at 50 Gy was not compromised by ART. Coverage at 60 Gy in the scenario of a stationary MD was significantly reduced from 92% {+-} 10% to 73% {+-} 19% using ART; however, the coverage was restored by iso-MLD dose escalation. Dose distributions in the MD were sufficient to achieve a TCP >80% on average in all simulation experiments, with the clonogenic cell density the major factor influencing TCP. The combined TCP for the GTV and MD was 19.9% averaged over all patients and TCP models in non-adaptive treatment with 66 Gy. Iso-MLD dose escalation achieved by ART increased the overall TCP by absolute 6% (adapting plan once) and by 8.7% (adapting plan twice) on average. Absolute TCP values were significantly different between the TCP models; however, all TCP models suggested very similar TCP increase by using ART. Conclusions: Adaptation of radiotherapy to the shrinking GTV did not compromise dose coverage of volumes of suspect microscopic disease and has the potential to increase TCP by >40% compared with radiotherapy planning without ART.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Copper-64-diacetyl-bis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone) Pharmacokinetics in FaDu Xenograft Tumors and Correlation With Microscopic Markers of Hypoxia

Purpose: The behavior of copper-64-diacetyl-bis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone) ({sup 64}Cu-ATSM) in hypoxic tumors was examined through a combination of in vivo dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) and ex vivo autoradiographic and histologic evaluation using a xenograft model of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. Methods and Materials: {sup 64}Cu-ATSM was administered during dynamic PET imaging, and temporal changes in {sup 64}Cu-ATSM distribution within tumors were evaluated for at least 1 hour and up to 18 hours. Animals were sacrificed at either 1 hour (cohort A) or after 18 hours (cohort B) postinjection of radiotracer and autoradiography performed. Ex vivo analysis of microenvironment subregions was conducted by immunohistochemical staining for markers of hypoxia (pimonidazole hydrochloride) and blood flow (Hoechst-33342). Results: Kinetic analysis revealed rapid uptake of radiotracer by tumors. The net influx (K{sub i}) constant was 12-fold that of muscle, whereas the distribution volume (V{sub d}) was 5-fold. PET images showed large tumor-to-muscle ratios, which continually increased over the entire 18-hour course of imaging. However, no spatial changes in {sup 64}Cu-ATSM distribution occurred in PET imaging at 20 minutes postinjection. Microscopic intratumoral distribution of {sup 64}Cu-ATSM and pimonidazole were not correlated at 1 hour or after 18 hours postinjection, nor was {sup 64}Cu-ATSM and Hoechst-33342. Conclusions: The oxygen partial pressures at which {sup 64}Cu-ATSM and pimonidazole are reduced and bound in cells are theorized to be distinct and separable. However, this study demonstrated that microscopic distributions of these tracers within tumors are independent. Researchers have shown {sup 64}Cu-ATSM uptake to be specific to malignant expression, and this work has also demonstrated clear tumor targeting by the radiotracer.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Transmission electron microscopic study of pyrochlore to defect-fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates

A structural transition in rare earth pyrohafnates, Ln{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Ln=Y, La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Yb and Lu), has been identified. Neutron diffraction showed that the structure transforms from well-ordered pyrochloric to fully fluoritic through the lanthanide series from La to Lu with a corresponding increase in the position parameter x of the 48f (Fd3{sup Macron }m) oxygen site from 0.330 to 0.375. As evidenced by the selected area electron diffraction, La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} exhibited a well-ordered pyrocholoric structure with the presence of intense superlattice spots, which became weak and diffuse (in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}) before disappearing completely as the series progressed towards the Lu end. High resolution electron microscopic studies showed the breakdown of the pyrochlore ordering in the form of antiphase domains resulting in diffused smoke-like superlattice spots in the case of Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. - Graphical abstract: Transmission electron microscopic studies showed the ordered pyrochlore to defect fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates to occur via the formation of anti-phase domains to start with. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pyrochlore to fluorite structural transition in rare earth pyrohafnates. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} showed well ordered pyrochlore structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Short range ordering in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Break down of pyrochlore ordering due to antiphase boundaries. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rest of the series showed fluoritic structure.

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

Macroscopic and microscopic investigations on uniaxial ratchetting of two-phase Ti–6Al–4V alloy

The uniaxial ratchetting of Ti–6Al–4V alloy with two phases (i.e., primary hexagonal close packed (HCP) α and secondary body-centered cubic (BCC) β phases) was investigated by macroscopic and microscopic experiments at room temperature. Firstly, the effects of cyclic softening/hardening feature, applied mean stress and stress amplitude on the uniaxial ratchetting of the alloy were discussed. The macroscopic investigation of Ti–6Al–4V alloy presents obvious strain-amplitude-dependent cyclic softening, as well as a three-staged evolution curve with regard to the ratchetting strain rate. The ratchetting depends greatly on the applied mean stress and stress amplitude while the ratchetting strain increases with the increasing applied mean stress and stress amplitude. Then, the evolution of dislocation patterns and deformation twinning during the uniaxial ratchetting of two-phase Ti–6Al–4V alloy were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microscopic observation shows that deformation twinning occurs in the primary α phase and its amount increases gradually during the uniaxial ratchetting. Simultaneously, the planar dislocation evolves from discrete lines to some dislocation nets and parallel lines with the increasing number of cycles. The deformation twinning in the primary α phase is one of main contributions to the uniaxial ratchetting of Ti–6Al–4V alloy, and should be considered in the construction of corresponding constitutive model. - Highlights: • A three-staged ratchetting occurs in the stress-controlled cyclic tests of Ti–6Al–4V alloy. • Dislocation patterns change from discrete lines to nets and parallel lines. • Deformation twinning occurs during the uniaxial ratchetting. • Both dislocation slipping and twinning are the causes of ratchetting.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design of a neutron microscope based on Wolter mirrors

The predominant geometry for a neutron imaging experiment is that of a pinhole camera. Here, this is primarily due to the difficulty in focusing neutrons due to the weak refractive index, which is also strongly chromatic. Proof of concept experiments demonstrated that neutron image forming lenses based on reflective Wolter mirrors can produce quantitative, high spatial resolution neutron images while also increasing the time resolution compared to the conventional pinhole camera geometry. Motivated by these results, we report the design of a neutron microscope where two Wolter mirrors replace condensing and objective lenses, in direct analogy with typical visible light microscopes. Ray tracing results indicate that this system will yield 3 µm spatial resolution images with an acquisition time of order <1 s (10 4 faster than currently possible at this spatial resolution) with a field of view of about 5 mm in diameter.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of an in situ ion irradiation scanning electron microscope

An in situ ion irradiation scanning electron microscope (I 3 SEM) has been developed, installed, and integrated into the Ion Beam Laboratory at Sandia National Laboratories. The I 3 SEM facility combines a field emission, variable pressure, scanning electron microscope, a 6 MV tandem accelerator, high flux low energy ion source, an 808 nm-wavelength laser, and multiple stages to control the thermal and mechanical state of the sample observed. The facility advances real-time understanding of materials evolution under combined environments at the mesoscale. As highlighted in multiple examples, this unique combination of tools is optimized for studying mesoscale material response in overlapping extreme environments, allowing for simultaneous ion irradiation, implantation, laser bombardment, conductive heating, cooling, and mechanical deformation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Design of compact ultrafast microscopes for single- and multi-shot imaging with MeV electrons

Ultrafast high-energy electron microscopy, taking advantage of strong interaction of electrons with matter while minimizing space charge problems, can be used to address a wide range of grand challenges in basics energy sciences. However, MeV-electron lenses are inherently bulky and expensive, preventing them from acceptance in a broad scientific community. In this article, we report our novel design of a compact, low-cost imaging-lens system for MeV-electrons based on quadrupole multiplets, including triplet, quadruplet and quintuplet, both symmetric and asymmetric. We compare optical performance of quadrupole-based condenser, objective and projector lenses with that of the traditional round-lenses and discuss the strategy for their practical use in constructing MeV-electron microscopes for high spatial and temporal resolution single- and multi-shot imaging. Combining the compound electron-optical system with a photocathode radiofrequency (RF) gun, such a MeV electron microscope can be fit into a smallsized laboratory for ultrafast observations and measurements.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Resolution of the Electron Microscope at the Atomic Scale

The importance of atomic-resolution electron microscopy as a tool for structure analysis lies in its ability to produce images in which each peak corresponds to the position of an atom (or atomic column) within the specimen. Being able to distinguish between atoms (or columns) that appear close together when projected in the chosen viewing direction depends on the resolution of the microscope. Knowledge of the resolution of any particular electron microscope is crucial to judge if its resolution is appropriate for the specimen. In addition, resolution quality will determine the precision of measured atom positions.

A-OK↗
DOE OSTI2018

Humidity Exposure Enhances Microscopic Mobility in a Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid in MXene

Present and future electrochemical devices employing advanced electrode and electrolyte materials are expected to operate in diverse environments, where they are exposed to variable conditions, such as changing humidity levels. Such conditions can possibly alter the microscopic mechanisms that influence the electrochemical performance. Here in this paper, using quasi-elastic neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the influence of humidity exposure on a room-temperature ionic liquid, [EMIm + ][Tf 2 N – ], in Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene. Absorbed water enhances the microscopic mobility of confined [EMIm + ][Tf 2 N – ], even though the ionic liquid itself is not very hygroscopic. The absorbed water molecules predominantly reside on the termination groups of the more hydrophilic MXene layers, thereby displacing the ions from the surface and facilitating their motions in the MXene matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Microscopic Dynamics in an Ionic Liquid Augmented with Organic Solvents

We introduce the complex microscopic dynamics of 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(trifluromethylsulfonyl)imide, [Bmim + ][TFSI – ], ionic liquid mixed with organic solvents to improve its properties for energy storage applications. To probe the microscopic dynamics on different length and time scales, we have used different neutron scattering spectrometers for quasielastic neutron scattering measurements to compare the effects of solvation in several organic solvents with nearly the same dipole moment but broadly varying bulk diffusivity. The ionic liquid–solvent mixtures show a nanoscopic phase separation into an ionic liquid-rich and a solvent-rich phase, as revealed by the model-free dynamic susceptibility data and further corroborated by the cluster histogram analysis of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In both phases, we observe a long-range translational mobility of the [Bmim + ] cation, which scales with the bulk diffusivities of the organic solvents; this correlation becomes stronger in the solvent-rich phase. Furthermore, various localized motion modes of the [Bmim + ] cation are observed. A combination of neutron scattering and MD simulations reveals the parameters governing solvent-controlled diffusivity in an ionic liquid, which helps formulate new electrolytes optimized for effective energy storage devices.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Quantitative Measurements of the Temperature-Dependent Microscopic and Macroscopic Dynamics of a Molecular Dopant in a Conjugated Polymer

Understanding the nature of dopant dynamics in the solid state is critical for improving the longevity and stability of organic electronic devices and for optimizing the doping-induced solubility control (DISC) patterning method. Here in this work, we use quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and fluorescence quenching techniques to develop a comprehensive picture of both the microscopic and macroscopic dynamics of the soluble p-type molecular dopant tetrafluoromethyloxycarbonyltricyanoquinodimethane (F4MCTCNQ) in the conductive polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT). Specifically, fast dynamics (ps–ns) of the dopant, such as the methyl and the methoxycarbonyl group rotations, are observed in QENS experiments. From confocal fluorescence microscope experiments, longer-range/slower dopant diffusion (ms–days) is captured. However, in order to fit these data, it is necessary to incorporate a Langmuir isotherm equilibrium between the neutral and ionized dopant molecules. Ionized F4MCTCNQ is strongly favored by the equilibrium, but it diffuses 3 orders of magnitude slower than neutral species. Moreover, the macroscopic diffusion is found to depend mostly on the minority concentration of neutral dopant molecules in the film. In conclusion, the global diffusion coefficient of the monoester-substituted dopant F4MCTCNQ is shown to be more than an order of magnitude smaller than that of the widely used dopant F4TCNQ.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrolyte-Dependent, “Microscopically Irreversible” H-Atom Transfer Kinetics of Ce-Based Metal–Organic Framework, Ce-MOF-808

Redox reactions at the interface of metal oxides and protic electrolytes almost always involve protons and electrons in equal amounts. Given the stoichiometry, these proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions are thermochemically equivalent to net H-atom transfer (HAT) reactions. The correlation between the chemical nature of solid catalysts and HAT kinetics has been employed for decades as the design principle for energy-relevant reactions (e.g., reactions of 2H + /H 2 ). More recently, chemists have experimentally determined that a change in liquid electrolytes that alters the microenvironment at the redox-active sites has an equally profound impact on electrocatalysis involving PCET/HAT. Yet, precise correlations between the chemical nature of electrolytes and the PCET kinetics are, to date, rare in the literature. Herein, we report our findings using the Ce-based metal−organic framework, Ce-MOF-808, as a model system. Each Ce 6 (μ 3 −O) 4 (μ 3 − OH) 4 (OH) 6 (H 2 O) 6 node of this MOF undergoes a 1H + /1e − redox reaction. Using chronoamperometry and the Cottrell analysis, we have determined that the PCET hopping kinetics within the pores of Ce-MOF-808 can change by orders of magnitude by altering the buffer species and the proton activity of the electrolyte. Furthermore, in all buffers, reductive reactions were ∼3−10 times faster in kinetics than the reverse oxidative reaction with the same electrochemical driving force, suggesting that the system, at first glance, violates the principle of microscopic reversibility. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and computational simulations corroborated that the buffer-node binding thermodynamics are quite distinct, depending on the chemical nature of the buffer and the oxidation state of the node. Together, these results suggest that the substrate and the product during the oxidative vs reductive reaction of Ce-MOF-808 are chemically different species, which explains the apparent ‘microscopic irreversibility.’ Thus, the rational modulation of electrolytes can dramatically enhance PCET kinetics, even though the solid electrodes remain identical. Implications of these findings are contrasted with the electrochemical/electrocatalytic behavior of other redox-active MOFs, heterogeneous catalysts, and enzymatic systems at the solid−liquid interface.

Ce-based MOF↗