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DOE OSTI2013

RNA-Seq analysis and targeted mutagenesis for improved free fatty acid production in an engineered cyanobacterium

Background: High-energy-density biofuels are typically derived from the fatty acid pathway, thus establishing free fatty acids (FFAs) as important fuel precursors. FFA production using photosynthetic microorganisms like cyanobacteria allows for direct conversion of carbon dioxide into fuel precursors. Recent studies investigating cyanobacterial FFA production have demonstrated the potential of this process, yet FFA production was also shown to have negative physiological effects on the cyanobacterial host, ultimately limiting high yields of FFAs. Results: Cyanobacterial FFA production was shown to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lead to increased cell membrane permeability. To identify genetic targets that may mitigate these toxic effects, RNA-seq analysis was used to investigate the host response of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Stress response, nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis, and protein folding genes were up-regulated during FFA production while genes involved in carbon and hydrogen metabolisms were down-regulated. Select genes were targeted for mutagenesis to confirm their role in mitigating FFA toxicity. Gene knockout of two porins and the overexpression of ROS-degrading proteins and hypothetical proteins reduced the toxic effects of FFA production, allowing for improved growth, physiology, and FFA yields. Comparative transcriptomics, analyzing gene expression changes associated with FFA production and other stress conditions, identified additional key genes involved in cyanobacterial stress response. Conclusions: A total of 15 gene targets were identified to reduce the toxic effects of FFA production. While single-gene targeted mutagenesis led to minor increases in FFA production, the combination of these targeted mutations may yield additional improvement, advancing the development of high-energy-density fuels derived from cyanobacteria.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2011

Cu-Ce-O mixed oxides from Ce-containing layered double hydroxide precursors: Controllable preparation and catalytic performance

Cu/Zn/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursors have been synthesized using an anion exchange method with anionic Ce complexes containing the dipicolinate (pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate) ligand. Cu-Ce-O mixed oxides were obtained by calcination of the Ce-containing LDHs. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis, elemental analysis, and low temperature N{sub 2} adsorption/desorption measurements. The results reveal that the inclusion of Ce has a significant effect on the specific surface area, pore structure, and chemical state of Cu in the resulting Cu-Ce-O mixed metal oxides. The resulting changes in composition and structure, particularly the interactions between Cu and Ce centers, significantly enhance the activity of the Ce-containing materials as catalysts for the oxidation of phenol by hydrogen peroxide. - Graphical Abstract: Cu-Ce-O mixed oxides calcined from [Ce(dipic){sub 3}]{sup 3-}- intercalated Cu/Zn/Al layered double hydroxides were synthesized and displayed good catalytic performances in phenol oxidation due to the Cu-Ce interactions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer [Ce(dipic){sub 3}]{sup 3-}-intercalated Cu/Zn/Al layered double hydroxides were synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cu-Ce-O mixed oxides derivated from the LDHs were characterized as catalysts. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Presence of Ce influenced physicochemical property and catalytic performance. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cu-Ce interaction was largely responsible for enhanced catalytic ability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2020

Promoting the cleavage of C-O bonds at the interface between a metal oxide cluster and a Co(0001) support

As a first step toward the rational design of Co-based catalysts with a higher activity and selectivity, we determine how one can activate a C-O bond at the interface between a metal oxide cluster and a Co(0001) support. The hypothesis here is that the metal ions in metal oxide clusters on a Co(0001) support enhance the adsorption of CO and weaken the C-O bond strength, which can then facilitate the dissociation of the CO reactant. To test this hypothesis, we developed three computational models of Ti4O8/Co(0001), Zr4O8/Co(0001), and Mn8O8/Co(0001). We quantify the CO adsorption behavior at the interface sites between an oxide cluster and the Co(0001) support as well as the corresponding IR spectra. We correlate the computed CO stretch frequencies with their CO adsorption energies, as well as the CO stretch frequency with the C-O bond length, and related these findings to the changes in the chemical bonding in the bound CO. The interface is the most favorable site for CO adsorption. Adsorption results in an increase of the C-O bond length and a decrease in its vibrational frequency. From a chemical bonding analysis, the bond order in CO at this site drops from 3 (in the gas phase) to 1. This decrease in bond order is a necessary precursor stage for CO dissociation. The experimental measurements of the corresponding FTIR spectra support this point. The favorability of CO adsorption at the interface sites is due to an electron transfer from the metal ion in the metal oxide cluster to the O atom in CO. We establish a linear relationship between C-O bond length and CO frequency and this relationship is found to be independent of the support, type of metal oxide cluster, or the adsorption site.

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Heterogeneous Catalysis↗

DOE OSTI2014

A facile route to high-purity BN nanoplates with ultraviolet cathodoluminescence emissions at room temperature

Highlights: • We present a novel and simple approach to great-scale fabrication of BN nanoplates. • The as-synthesized products are extensively characterized. • The formation mechanism of BN nanoplates are elucidated based on experimental observations. • A growth model was proposed according to our experimental observations and analysis. • BN nanoplates’ CL performance envisions its applications such as UV emitters. - Abstract: We present a novel and notably simple approach to fabricate BN nanoplates in large scale employing ammonia borane as a single-source precursor. The structure and chemical composition of the as-synthesized products are extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). XRD analysis indicates that the products are hexagonal BN crystal. SEM images confirm that the BN nanoplates have an average diameter of about 200 nm and thickness of tens of nanometers. HRTEM results illustrate the BN nanoplates to be single-crystals. EELS result suggests the nanoplates are composed of boron and nitride elements. The formation mechanism of the BN nanoplates has been elucidated based on our experimental observations, and a growth model has been proposed accordingly. Cathodoluminescence spectroscopic analysis is performed and strong ultraviolet (UV) emissions are detected. Our method provides a simple route towards the large-scale fabrication of high-quality BN nanoplates, for which various promising applications such as compact UV emitters can be envisioned.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2014

Nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} synthesized using a chelating route for use in IT-SOFC cathodes: Microstructure, surface chemistry and electrical conductivity

Nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} powders were synthesized by a chelating route using different polyfunctional H{sub x}APC acids (APC=aminopolycarboxylate; x=3, 4, 5). Different homologous aminopolycarboxylic acids, namely nitrilotriacetic (H{sub 3}nta), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (H{sub 4}edta), 1,2-cyclohexanediaminetetracetic (H{sub 4}cdta) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (H{sub 5}dtpa) acid, were used as chelating agents to combine Sm, Sr, Co elements into a perovskite structure. The effects of the chelating agents on the crystalline structure, porosity, surface chemistry and electrical properties were investigated. The electrical properties of the perovskite-type materials emphasized that their conductivities in the temperature range of interest (600–800 °C) depend on the nature of the precursors as well as on the presence of a residual Co oxide phase as shown by XRD and XPS analysis. The surface chemistry and the surface stoichiometries were determined by XPS revealing a complex chemical behavior of Sr that exhibits a peculiar “surface phase” and “bulk phase” chemistry within the detected volume (<10 nm). - Graphical abstract: Synthesis of nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} powders by a chelating route and the investigation of the microstructure, surface chemistry and electrical properties. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Nanocrystalline Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3−δ} obtained by a chelating synthesis route. • Cubic perovskite structures with crystallite sizes ∼23±2 nm. • The porous nature revealed by N{sub 2} adsorption/desorption (BET). • The surface chemistry and the surface stoichiometries highlighted by XPS. • A complex chemical behavior of Sr exhibits a peculiar “surface phase” and “bulk phase” chemistry.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2019

Systems-Level Analysis of Oxygen Exposure in Zymomonas mobilis : Implications for Isoprenoid Production

ABSTRACT Zymomonas mobilis is an aerotolerant anaerobe and prolific ethanologen with attractive characteristics for industrial bioproduct generation. However, there is currently insufficient knowledge of the impact that environmental factors have on flux through industrially relevant biosynthetic pathways. Here, we examined the effect of oxygen exposure on metabolism and gene expression in Z. mobilis by combining targeted metabolomics, mRNA sequencing, and shotgun proteomics. We found that exposure to oxygen profoundly influenced metabolism, inducing both transient metabolic bottlenecks and long-term metabolic remodeling. In particular, oxygen induced a severe but temporary metabolic bottleneck in the methyl erythritol 4-phosphate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis caused by oxidative damage to the iron-sulfur cofactors of the final two enzymes in the pathway. This bottleneck was resolved with minimal changes in expression of isoprenoid biosynthetic enzymes. Instead, it was associated with pronounced upregulation of enzymes related to iron-sulfur cluster maintenance and biogenesis (i.e., flavodoxin reductase and the suf operon). We also detected major changes in glucose utilization in the presence of oxygen. Specifically, we observed increased gluconate production following exposure to oxygen, accounting for 18% of glucose uptake. Our results suggest that under aerobic conditions, electrons derived from the oxidation of glucose to gluconate are diverted to the electron transport chain, where they can minimize oxidative damage by reducing reactive oxygen species such as H 2 O 2 . This model is supported by the simultaneous upregulation of three membrane-bound dehydrogenases, cytochrome c peroxidase, and a cytochrome bd oxidase following exposure to oxygen. IMPORTANCE Microbially generated biofuels and bioproducts have the potential to provide a more environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-derived products. In particular, isoprenoids, a diverse class of natural products, are chemically suitable for use as high-grade transport fuels and other commodity molecules. However, metabolic engineering for increased production of isoprenoids and other bioproducts is limited by an incomplete understanding of factors that control flux through biosynthetic pathways. Here, we examined the native regulation of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in the biofuel producer Zymomonas mobilis . We leveraged oxygen exposure as a means to perturb carbon flux, allowing us to observe the formation and resolution of a metabolic bottleneck in the pathway. Our multi-omics analysis of this perturbation enabled us to identify key auxiliary enzymes whose expression correlates with increased production of isoprenoid precursors, which we propose as potential targets for future metabolic engineering.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2020

yippee like 3 (ypel3) is a novel gene required for myelinating and perineurial glia development

Hypomyelination, a neurological disorder characterized by a decrease in the production of myelin sheets by glial cells, often has no known etiology. Elucidating the genetic causes of hypomyelination provides a better understanding of myelination, as well as means to diagnose, council, and treat patients. Here, we present evidence that YIPPEE LIKE 3 (YPEL3), a gene whose developmental role was previously unknown, is required for central and peripheral glial cell development. We identified a child with a constellation of clinical features including cerebral hypomyelination, abnormal peripheral nerve conduction, hypotonia, areflexia, and hypertrophic peripheral nerves. Exome and genome sequencing revealed a de novo mutation that creates a frameshift in the open reading frame of YPEL3 , leading to an early stop codon. We used zebrafish as a model system to validate that YPEL3 mutations are causative of neuropathy. We found that ypel3 isexpressed in the zebrafish central and peripheral nervous system. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we created zebrafish mutants carrying a genomic lesion similar to that of the patient. Our analysis revealed that Ypel3 is required for specification and migration of myelinating oligodendrocytes, timely exit of the perineurial glial precursors from the central nervous system (CNS), formation of the perineurium, and Schwann cell maturation. Consistent with these observations, zebrafish ypel3 mutants have metabolomic signatures characteristic of oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell differentiation defects, show decreased levels of Myelin basic protein in the central and peripheral nervous system, and develop defasciculated peripheral nerves. Locomotion defects were observed in adult zebrafish ypel3 mutants. These studies demonstrate that Ypel3 is a novel gene required for perineurial cell differentiation and glial myelination.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2017

Spider silk MASP1 and MASP2 proteins as carbon fiber precursors

The objective of this project is to develop an unconventional non-petroleum based carbon fiber precursor which has the potential to be produced in high yield and quantities. Methods will be developed to produce pilot-scale quantities of fibers from spider silk proteins with mechanical properties at least 75% that of the natural dragline silk fibers in tensile strength and elongations of less than 5%. The precursor fibers will be converted to carbon fibers, with a goal of >250Ksi strength and 1-2% elongation. Cost analysis will be performed and the process optimized. Task 1: Subtask 1. Protein production: We exceeded the go/ no go milestone of 1.0g/L of one of the spider silk protein (MSp2) purified last FY and have now increased from 5L to 500L fermentations. We have made a series of changes to the purification protocol from the initial report last FY. These led to a reduction in the time needed for the purification and reduced the purification costs by nearly 90%. Subtask 2. Fiber spinning: The major focus has been to produce more material to send 24 fiber thread to ONRL. We are still developing the methodology to successfully spin 24 fiber yarns. This involves both the spinning dope solutions as well as the methods to keep the fibers from fusing during the post spin stretch. The second area of focus has been to standardize the spin dopes for making the fibers. We now know that the conductivity (indicative of salt remaining with the protein after purification) is an important factor in successful spinning as is the pH. We now know that we need to be below 600 uS conductivity and that the most effective pH is protein dependent. Subtask 3. Silkworm silk: We have found the transgenic silkworms made using gene replacement at the fibroin light chain instead of heavy chain as we did previously have a higher tensile strength. See figures below showing the curve for the top end of the cocoon fibers. This tensile strength is the same as the average for spider dragline silk. Task 2. Carbonization: The major accomplishment in the latter part of the work is that the ONRL group has successfully heated the spider silk protein fibers all the way up to 1700°C and produced a very competitive carbon fiber based on mechanical properties. Several important factors were discovered during these initial trials: 1) the ramp speed for increasing the temperature is critical; 2) maintaining tension on the fiber during the heating process because as it is heated it tends to expand; and 3) narrow temperature window in which stretching the fiber during heating leads to much better final materials. Task 3. Techno-Economic Methods: The techno-economic analysis was expanded to determine the relative cost of production with the bacterial production system compared to the transgenic alfalfa and goat production systems. The comparisons show two important things. For all systems the key factor in the final price is the amount of spider silk protein produced for whatever measure of volume or weight is used. Second alfalfa can be the cheapest but is subject to the possible regulatory control unless the US develops a more comprehensive approach to GMOs. The silkworm analysis was not completed due to a variety of confounding factors. The primary one was that if the production were shifted overseas then the cost would likely be nearly equivalent to current silk prices of $5-15/kg. However if concerns about the location of production is important then it would need to be done in the US and initial costs would be much higher but if the later scenario is utilized then the cost would be lowered but it was not possible to calculate exact costs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2015

Effect of heterogeneous aqueous reactions on the secondary formation of inorganic aerosols during haze events

In this study, the effect of heterogeneous aqueous reactions on the secondary formation of inorganic aerosols during haze events was investigated by analysis of comprehensive measurements of aerosol composition and concentrations [e.g., particular matters (PM 2.5 ), nitrate (NO 3 ), sulfate (SO 4 ), ammonium (NH 4 )], gas-phase precursors [e.g., nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and ozone (O 3 )], and relevant meteorological parameters [e.g., visibility and relative humidity (RH)]. The measurements were conducted in Beijing, China from Sep. 07, 2012 to Jan. 16, 2013. The results show that the conversion ratios of N from NOx to nitrate (N ratio ) and S from SO 2 to sulfate (S ratio ) both significantly increased in haze events, suggesting enhanced conversions from NOx and SO 2 to their corresponding particle phases in the late haze period. Further analysis shows that N ratio and S ratio increased with increasing RH, with N ratio and S ratio being only 0.04 and 0.03, respectively, when RH < 40%, and increasing up to 0.16 and 0.12 when RH reached 60–80%, respectively. The enhanced conversion ratios of N and S in the late haze period is likely due to heterogeneous aqueous reactions, because solar radiation and thus the photochemical capacity are reduced by the increases in aerosols and RH. This point was further affirmed by the relationships of N ratio and S ratio to O 3 : the conversion ratios increase with decreasing O 3 concentration when O 3 concentration is lower than <15 ppb but increased with increasing O 3 when O 3 concentration is higher than 15 ppb. The results suggest that heterogeneous aqueous reactions likely changed aerosols and their precursors during the haze events: in the beginning of haze events, the precursor gases accumulated quickly due to high emission and low reaction rate; the occurrence of heterogeneous aqueous reactions in the late haze period, together with the accumulated high concentrations of precursor gases such as SO 2 and NOx, accelerated the formation of secondary inorganic aerosols, and led to rapid increase of the PM 2.5 concentration.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2017

High-content image informatics of the structural nuclear protein NuMA parses trajectories for stem/progenitor cell lineages and oncogenic transformation

Stem and progenitor cells that exhibit significant regenerative potential and critical roles in cancer initiation and progression remain difficult to characterize. Cell fates are determined by reciprocal signaling between the cell microenvironment and the nucleus; hence parameters derived from nuclear remodeling are ideal candidates for stem/progenitor cell characterization. Here we applied high-content, single cell analysis of nuclear shape and organization to examine stem and progenitor cells destined to distinct differentiation endpoints, yet undistinguishable by conventional methods. Nuclear descriptors defined through image informatics classified mesenchymal stem cells poised to either adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation, and oligodendrocyte precursors isolated from different regions of the brain and destined to distinct astrocyte subtypes. Nuclear descriptors also revealed early changes in stem cells after chemical oncogenesis, allowing the identification of a class of cancer-mitigating biomaterials. To capture the metrology of nuclear changes, we developed a simple and quantitative “imaging-derived” parsing index, which reflects the dynamic evolution of the high-dimensional space of nuclear organizational features. A comparative analysis of parsing outcomes via either nuclear shape or textural metrics of the nuclear structural protein NuMA indicates the nuclear shape alone is a weak phenotypic predictor. In contrast, variations in the NuMA organization parsed emergent cell phenotypes and discerned emergent stages of stem cell transformation, supporting a prognosticating role for this protein in the outcomes of nuclear functions. - Highlights: • High-content analysis of nuclear shape and organization classify stem and progenitor cells poised for distinct lineages. • Early oncogenic changes in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are also detected with nuclear descriptors. • A new class of cancer-mitigating biomaterials was identified based on image informatics. • Textural metrics of the nuclear structural protein NuMA are sufficient to parse emergent cell phenotypes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2014

Vibration atomic layer deposition for conformal nanoparticle coating

A vibration atomic layer deposition reactor was developed for fabricating a conformal thin-film coating on nanosize particles. In this study, atomic layer deposition of 10–15-nm-thick Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} films was conducted on a high-surface-area acetylene black powder with particle diameters of 200–250 nm. Intense vibration during the deposition resulted in the effective separation of particles, overcoming the interparticle agglomeration force and enabling effective diffusion of the precursor into the powder chunk; this phenomenon led to the formation of a conformal film coating on the nanopowder particles. It was also confirmed that the atomic layer deposition Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} films initially grew on the high-surface-area acetylene black powder particles as discrete islands, presumably because chemisorption of the precursor and water occurred only on a few sites on the high-surface-area acetylene black powder surface. Relatively sluggish growth of the films during the initial atomic layer deposition cycles was identified from composition analysis.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2018

Analysis of Chemical Bonding and Structural Network of Gold Silicide in Core–Shell Silicon Nanowire

The Au-catalyzed core–shell silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition by using SiH{sub 4} and H{sub 2} precursor gases. The TEM and FTIR studies revealed that the Si-NWs consist of core silicon surrounded by a thick oxide sheath and Au distributed at the a-SiOx/Si interface. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study the chemical composition and electronic environments of gold silicide in the a-SiO{sub x}/Si-NWs. The elemental analysis and chemical network of gold silicide of core–shell Si-NWs were explained on the basis of the random atomic distribution of Si, O and Au atoms. The Raman spectra and XRD peak reveal the crystalline core of Si-NWs. The individual contribution to the Au (4d) core orbital was deconvoluted to Au-Si-Au, Au-Si-O, Au-Au, Au-O-Au, Au-O-Si and Au=O/Au-O{sub 2} bonding structure. The analysis shows that the O linked with Si and Au has also contributed to growth of Si-NWs.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2012

Ion-induced effects on grain boundaries and a-Si:H tissue quality in microcrystalline silicon films

Microcrystalline silicon films have been deposited by means of the remote expanding thermal plasma. The effect of ion bombardment on the microcrystalline silicon film properties has been investigated by applying an RF bias to the deposition substrate. The application of the RF substrate bias resulted in the formation of an additional plasma in front of the substrate holder. Neither the SiH{sub 4} depletion nor the growth flux was significantly enhanced upon substrate biasing, which suggests that (the composition of) the growth precursor flux is unaffected and that the ion-film interaction mechanisms were responsible for the observed material changes. Moderate bias conditions (i.e., dc bias voltages up to {approx}70 V) led to an improved grain boundary passivation and densification of the amorphous silicon tissue, as concluded from the analysis of the infrared Si-H{sub x} stretching modes. These improvements have been ascribed to ion-induced Si surface atom displacement, which enhances the surface diffusion length of the growth precursors. More-energetic ion bombardment (i.e., under applied dc bias voltages of {approx}60 V and higher) resulted in enhanced (di)vacancy incorporation via ion-induced Si bulk atom displacement. The film crystallinity was found not to be affected by the ion bombardment, although a reduced crystallite size was observed under ion bombardment conditions where Si bulk displacement had been sufficiently activated. The extent of the ion-film interaction mechanism has been enhanced by increasing the ion-to-Si deposition flux ratio. Under specific ion bombardment conditions, i.e., dc bias voltage in the range of 40-70 V and ion/Si arrival rate {approx}0.20, microcrystalline silicon films have been obtained which, on the basis of the Si-H{sub x} stretching modes, are qualified as solar-grade, i.e., the intergranular space is filled with a dense amorphous silicon tissue which completely passivates the crystalline grain boundaries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2014

Defect structure of ultrafine MgB{sub 2} nanoparticles

Defect structure of MgB{sub 2} bulk and ultrafine particles, synthesized by solid state reaction route, have been investigated mainly by the aid of X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. Two different amorphous Boron (B) precursors were used for the synthesis of MgB{sub 2}, namely, boron 95 (purity 95%–97%, <1.5 μm) and nanoboron (purity >98.5%, <250 nm), which revealed bulk and nanosized MgB{sub 2}, respectively. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrate uniform and ultrafine morphology for nanosized MgB{sub 2} in comparison with bulk MgB{sub 2}. Powder X-ray diffraction data show that the concentration of the by-product MgO is significantly reduced when nanoboron is employed as precursor. It is observed that a significant average particle size reduction for MgB{sub 2} can be achieved only by using B particles of micron or nano size. The origin and the role of defect centers were also investigated and the results proved that at nanoscale MgB{sub 2} material contains Mg vacancies. Such vacancies influence the connectivity and the conductivity properties which are crucial for the superconductivity applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2017

Silver–Copper Hollow Nanoshells as Phase‐Transfer Reagents and Catalysts in the Reduction of 4‐Nitroaniline

Cysteine‐stabilized Ag–Cu hollow nanoshells are prepared by the coreduction of silver nitrate and cupric nitrate with sodium borohydride in the presence of sodium thiocyanate. Transmission electron microscopic measurements show that the resulting Ag–Cu nanoshells exhibit a rather uniform size of 57.2 ± 11.9 nm with a shell thickness of 7.9 ± 1.6 nm, and the hollow volume ratio is estimated to be ≈62%. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopic studies show that the nanoshells are composed of nanocrystalline Ag and CuO in segregated domains. Consistent results are obtained in X‐ray diffraction measurements. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis shows that the elemental composition of the nanoshells is consistent with the initial feed ratio of the metal salt precursors. When capped with 1‐dodecanethiol, the hollow nanoshells become dispersible in apolar organic solvents and the cavity may be exploited for the effective phase‐transfer of target molecules such as rhodamine 6G between water and organic media. The Ag–Cu nanoshells also show apparent catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4‐nitroaniline by sodium borohydride, a performance that is markedly better than that of the solid counterparts and comparable to leading results in recent literature based on relevant metal catalysts.

Chen, Limei↗

DOE OSTI2018

Evolution of the Fe{sup 3+} Ion Local Environment During the Phase Transition ε-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} → α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}

Evolution of the local environment of Fe{sup 3+} ions in deposited Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles formed in samples with different iron contents was investigated in order to establish the conditions for obtaining the stable ε-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/SiO{sub 2} samples without impurities of other iron oxide polymorphs. Microstructure of the samples with an iron content of up to 16% is studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Mössbauer spectroscopy, and their magnetic properties are examined. At iron concentrations below 6%, calcinations of iron-containing precursor nanoparticles in a silica gel matrix lead to the formation of the ε-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} iron oxide polymorphic modification without foreign phase impurities, while at the iron concentration in the range of 6–12%, the hematite phase forms in the sample in the fraction of no more than 5%. It is concluded on the basis of the data obtained that the spatial stabilization of iron-containing particles is one of the main factors facilitating the formation of the ε-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} phase in a silica gel matrix without other iron oxide polymorphs. It is demonstrated that the increase in the iron content leads to the formation of larger particles in the sample and gradual changes of the Fe{sup 3+} ion local environment during the phase transition ε-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} → α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2011

Cobalt-polypyrrole-carbon black (Co-PPY-CB) Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) in Fuel Cells: Composition and Kinetic Activity

Electrocatalysts consisting of polypyrrole (PPY) and Co deposited on carbon black (CB) at several compositions were prepared and tested for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a HClO4 buffer (pH = 1) using a rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE). It was determined that the most favorable catalyst composition (prior to calcination) had a CB:PPY weight ratio of 2 and a pyrrole:Co (i.e., PY:Co) molar ratio of 4. This catalyst had an onset potential of 0.785 V (vs. RHE) and a mass activity of ca. 1 A/g{sub cata} at the fuel cell relevant voltage of 0.65 V. Furthermore, it was found that the number of electrons exchanged during the ORR with the catalyst was ca. 3.5 and resulted in 28% yield of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} at 0.65 V, which hints to an indirect 4e{sup -} reduction of O{sub 2} to H{sub 2}O, with H{sub 2}O{sub 2} as an intermdiate. From energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, it is proposed that a PY:Co ratio of 4 favors the formation, prior to calcination, in the catalyst precursor of Co-N complexes in which Co is coordinated to 3 or 4 N atoms, resulting in strong Co-N interactions that limit the formation upon calcination of low ORR activity Co nanoparticles. These Co-N complexes give rise upon calcination to CoN{sub x-2} sites in which the coordination of Co could favor the adsorption on them of O{sub 2}, which would make those sites particularly active and selective. At the same mass acitivity of 1 A/g{sub cata}, the voltage yielded by the catalyst was 200 mV lower than that for a state-of-the-art Pt (10 wt.%) catalyst, whoch H{sub 2}O{sub 2} output at 0.85 V was 39% and involves the exchange of 3.2 e{sup -}, overall making our material an attractive substitute to noble metal ORR electrocatalysts.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗

DOE OSTI2014

The effect of Ni addition on the structure of Pt–Sn/C nanoparticles by electron microscopy

Highlights: • A typical Pt/SnO{sub 2} core–shell structure is present in Pt–Sn. • The most of SnO{sub 2} species are likely clustered in Pt–Sn. • SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles prefer to locate close to Pt–Sn–Ni nanoclusters. • Main crystallographic structures are either cubic Pt or PtSn{sub 2}. - Abstract: Carbon supported bimetallic Pt–Sn and trimetallic Pt–Sn–Ni nanoparticles were synthesized by Bönnemann's colloidal precursor method and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques. HR-TEM and EDX results demonstrated that SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles tend to form clusters in Pt–Sn/C; however, the presence of Ni in the Pt–Sn/C gives rise to an induced interaction between SnO{sub 2} and Pt nanoparticles. Electron diffraction patterns of Pt–Sn–Ni/C showed that either cubic Pt or PtSn{sub 2} structures are present. From the selected area EDX analysis, it was found that both of these structures contain Sn. This suggests that Pt–Sn–Ni/C nanoparticles may be partially covered by Sn-richer PtSn{sub 2} alloyed structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗