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Abstract: The current atmospheric CO₂ level reaches 426 ppm according to the latest measurement by NASA in July 2024; therefore, the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies (CCUS) has become urgent to cut CO₂ emissions to avoid the most severe consequences of climate change. CO₂ conversion to commodity chemicals, materials, feedstocks, and fuels driven by renewable electricity offers one of the most effective pathways to mitigate the greenhouse effect and reduce global demand for traditional fossil fuels, while simultaneously achieving sustainable energy and carbon neutrality. 

This seminar will briefly overview diverse research areas of National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to advance energy and environmental sustainability along with carbon management. Our electrochemistry efforts on carbon conversion directly support the US goal of achieving carbon-free power sector by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050. Since CO₂ electroreduction is highly structure sensitive, NETL ongoing research has been focused on the rational design and engineering of electrocatalysts, i.e. tuning the particle size, shape, dimension, or manipulating chemical composition, surface structure, defects, etc., to facilitate the CO₂ conversion to desirable products with good selectivity, activity, and durability. Different classes and types of electrocatalytic materials will be covered in this talk, from well-defined atomic-scale model catalysts to heterogenous, scalable powder systems at nano- and micro-scale for “real world” performance evaluation. Several ex situ and in situ spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical characterization techniques along with computational findings will be additionally discussed to gain more insights into the structure-activity relation. 

Besides catalyst development, the intensive efforts have been devoted to optimizing the device architecture and membrane electrode assembly components of CO₂ electrolysis cell to better respond to practical industrial applications (current density higher than 200 mA/cm² and lifetime beyond 1,000 hours). The last part of this seminar will provide more detail on how NETL has transitioned from the most common aqueous H-type reactor for lab-scale validation to more realistic full electrolyzer cell in bench-scale prototype. The knowledge, electrocatalytic materials, and device validation achieved from NETL in-house research will be translated to industrial sector for large scale deployment and the anticipated outcome will help advance the development of low temperature CO₂ electrolysis technologies.

Bio: Dr. Thuy Duong Nguyen Phan is currently a Research Scientist at the U.S Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Her research interests focus on functional materials for energy conversion (carbon capture and conversion, renewable chemicals/fuel production, hydrogen production/utilization), energy storage (battery, supercapacitor, oxygen storage), and environmental sustainability (wastewater/air/metal purification, indoor odor removal, self-cleaning window). She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of Ulsan (South Korea) in 2010 and then worked there as Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Research Professor. Prior to working at NETL in 2017, she worked as Research Associate at Brookhaven National Laboratory. She has strong track record of 50+ high impact journal publications and 7 patent awards/pending applications ().

Abstract: Stable isotope ratios can act as tracers in environmental systems. Nitrate isotope ratios can differentiate the system's dominant sources, particularly synthetic fertilizer, manure, and atmospheric nitrate via precipitation. In this study, we utilize the stable isotope ratios of nitrate (δ¹⁵N_NO3- and δ¹⁸O _NO3-) in a local karst-influenced watershed to constrain the sources and flow paths of nutrients during a range of precipitation events.  

Preliminary results of storm event nitrate isotope ratios show the significant influence of precipitation on nitrate isotopic compositions. We observe more positive δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O values during a storm event compared to baseline conditions. Storm δ¹⁵N values suggest a predominant contribution from agricultural runoff, likely mobilized by increased surface flow and infiltration. Concurrently, δ¹⁸O values indicated an influx of atmospheric nitrate from direct precipitation and rapid surface runoff. These shifts in isotope signatures during storm events support a blending of sources via dynamic mixing. 

Additionally, new methods for isotope ratio measurement will be presented.  The Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometer has been recently reconfigured with a focus on isotope ratio measurements. This technology opens up the possibility of “easy” measurement of rare and clumped isotope species, tracking bacterial processes, temperature relationships, and tracing the fate of degradation products.  A brief introduction and possible avenues for future collaborations will be explored. 

Bio: Dr. Erhardt started as an Environmental Engineer at Northwestern University, discovering geology her senior year.  After working as an engineer on acid mine drainage remediation, she returned to graduate school for an M.S. from the Colorado School of Mines and a PhD from Stanford University focused on isotope geochemistry.  After three years at the University of Cambridge as a CIFAR postdoctoral fellow, she has been at the ��ɫ��Ƶ since 2016.  Additionally, she is an Anna Boysken Fellow for the Institute for Advanced Study and was a Global Visiting Professor with the Institute of Analytical and Water ��ɫ��Ƶ at the Technical University of Munich. She is the director of the Kentucky Stable Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, focused on isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur isotopes in a wide range of geologic and environmental samples. 

Abstract: Within a bottom/up approach of molecular complexity, the study of substrate- and solvent-free isolated species is crucial, as they can be considered as unperturbed elementary bricks of matter for which the interplay with state-of-the-art calculations can be pushed as far as possible. 

In this context, probing isolated gas phase matter with VUV (5-40 eV, ie 250-30 nm) allows by photoionization to probe electronic and molecular structures via Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES), a universal highly sensitive technique. The additional coupling of ion detection in coincidence with the departing photoelectrons (PEPICO) opens large alleys of research in physical chemistry especially when one deals with complex media (molecular beams, chemical/combustion reactors) for which mass-selection of a given species is mandatory. Reciprocally, pure mass-spectrometric analysis capabilities of chemical reactions can be greatly enhanced by the addition of the electronic fingerprint (via PES) allowing the identification of isomers and sometimes conformers of cations with a given m/z.

After a broad introduction to the VUV Beamline DESIRS @ Synchrotron SOLEIL (see ) and its scientific case, the capabilities of our double imaging PEPICO spectrometer coupled to a versatile molecular beam chamber will be illustrated by several examples, relevant to basic physical chemistry as well to interfaces with biology, planetary science and astrochemistry, and dealing with cold molecules, radicals and reaction intermediates, weakly bonded-clusters up to aerosols. Some emphasis will be also given to chiral species probed by a specific chiroptical process based upon photoionization. 

Bio: After a PhD in molecular physics obtained at Université Paris-Saclay (1991) and a post-doctoral stay at the Department ��ɫ��Ƶ of UC Berkeley (1992-1993), I joined the French synchrotron centers LURE and now SOLEIL. At the head of two VUV beamlines (especially DESIRS @ Synchrotron SOLEIL), for more than 25 years, I have been working on VUV photodynamics (absorption, photoionization, fragmentation) on a wide range of samples, mainly isolated species such as cold molecules, radicals, clusters, trapped ionic biopolymers and nanoparticles. My work is centered on fundamental molecular physics and gas phase physical chemistry, with strong interfaces with chemistry, life sciences, planetary sciences and astrophysics. 

Among this large field, part of my activity is focused onto the interaction of Circularly Polarized Light and chiral species and in particular onto Photoelectron Circular Dichroism (PECD) at the field crossing between molecular photoionization and chirality.

Abstract: State-of-the-art infrared (IR) photon detection is accomplished using III-V or II-VI compound semiconductors such as HgCdTe, InGaAs, and InSb, among others. These materials feature low dark current densities and high external quantum efficiencies but must be cryogenically cooled, crystalline, and require flip-chip hybridization to readout integrated circuits (ROIC). These requirements add cost and complexity to IR detection systems. Newer technologies such as strained layer superlattices and other high operating temperature IR sensors can use thermoelectric cooling but still require epitaxial growth and hybridization. We have recently began developing IR sensors using classical doped, conjugated polymers as well as newer materials such as open shell, triplet diradical conjugated polymers which have intrinsic electrical conductivity. Our polymer-based IR sensors are principally active in the shortwave infrared (λ = 1-3 μm), with response extending well into the midwave infrared (λ = 3-5 μm) and longwave infrared (λ = 8-14 μm). This new generation of very low cost IR sensors will enable hybrid-free detectors where the materials are disordered semiconductors; they can be deposited using spin-coating, drop-casting or oxidative chemical vapor deposition directly onto a ROIC. This eliminates the need for hybridization and epitaxial quality materials. The detectors operate at room temperature, also eliminating the need for cooling. Current device challenges principally involve fabricating vertical (parallel) detector geometries and dark noise reduction.

Biography: Jarrett Vella is a Senior Research Chemist in the Electro-Optical and Infrared Components Branch of the Sensors Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Florida and received postdoctoral training at the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. His research seeks to identify ultralow cost infrared sensors with minimal size and weight requirements for use in terrestrial and space applications.

DNA is a programmable building block for sequence-encoded materials that are governed by Nature’s base pairing rules. The design space of such materials could be significantly expanded by harnessing metal-nucleic acid chemistry, but the “sequence-structure-property” relationships of these hybrid materials remain poorly understood. This talk presents a data-driven approach to overcome this challenge, centered on a new class of DNA-based materials with promise in biophotonics: atomically precise DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (Ag_N-DNAs). We harnessed high-throughput synthesis and fluorimetry together with machine learning to discern how DNA sequence dictates the photoluminescence properties of Ag_N-DNAs. This approach enables the design of new Ag_N-DNAs that fluoresce in the near-infrared tissue transparency window, a key area of need for biomedical imaging. We also combined preparation of atomically precise Ag_N-DNAs together with native mass spectrometry and circular dichroism to advance understanding of Ag_N-DNA ligand chemistry. Our discovery of a new class of Ag_N-DNAs with additional halido ligands recently enabled the first electronic structure calculations for Ag_N-DNAs and significantly enhances Ag_N-DNA stability. Together, these advances present new opportunities to expand the science and applications of DNA-based nanoclusters.

The mortality rate of cancer establishes it as a leading global health concern, prompting significant investment into cancer research. While the effects of cancer are well known, the understanding of specific sources of cancer therapy resistance are not. In this study, our goal was to develop innovative methods to address current shortcomings in cancer treatment and understanding. To do this, we studied exosome-mimetic nanovesicles as an immunotherapeutic platform and fluorescence lifetime imaging as a means to measure cancer-associated enzyme activity at a single cell level.

Through the use of a novel method of production, we generated nanovesicles from dendritic cells in high yields and leveraged the antigen-presenting and costimulatory properties of dendritic cells for induction of a T cell immune response. We demonstrate that these nanovesicles are able to present antigens in functional immune stimulatory complexes and retain parental ability to activate CD8+ T cells. Additionally, these nanovesicles were shown to mediate activation of T cells through indirect means. Here, nanovesicles are taken up by bystander dendritic cells, thereby delivering antigen to the dendritic cell and conferring T cell stimulatory capability. Next, we investigated the application of fluorescence lifetime imaging to measure cancer-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme activity at the single-cell level. We demonstrated this approach provides detailed insights into cellular heterogeneity and localized enzyme activity. Additionally, we showed that sensitivity and dynamic range can be tuned to enzyme activity and levels by altering excitation and emission wavelengths.

These advancements offer new and promising avenues to enhance nanoparticle-based immunotherapy and understanding of the role of enzyme activity and cellular heterogeneity in cancer progression. Ultimately, the methods developed contribute to improving therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine.

Abstract: The energy band structure (dispersion relation between energy and wavenumber) is fundamental information essential for elucidating the charge transport properties of semiconductors. For organic semiconductors, the valence band structure, which is responsible for
hole transport, has been measured by energy-dependent and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy since the 1990s. However, the conduction band structure, which is responsible for electron transport, has not yet been reported.
 

We have developed a new technique, angle-resolved low-energy inverse photoelectron spectroscopy [1], and succeeded in measuring the conduction band structure of organic semiconductors for the first time [2]. Based on the experimental results, we propose a new polaron model, "partially-dressed polaron" model. This study evidences the polaron formation in high-mobility organic semiconductors has a significant impact on electronic conduction.

[1] Y. Kashimoto, S. Ideta, H. Sato, H. Orio, K. Kawamura, H. Yoshida,
Rev. Sci. Instrum., 94, 063903 (2023). Selected as Editor’s Pick
[2] H. Sato, S. A. Abd. Rahman, Y. Yamada, H. Ishii, H. Yoshida, Nature
Mat. 21, 910 (2022).

Metal halide perovskites have gained interest in optoelectronic applications such as photovoltaics, lasers, LEDs, transistors, and photodetectors due to their excellent semiconducting properties considering their low cost. Metal halide perovskite (HP) photovoltaics have rapidly increased in power conversion efficiency (PCE), which now exceeds 25%. HPs have gained attention in these applications due to their high tolerance towards defects, long charge carrier diffusion lengths, high charge carrier mobility, high optical absorption, and bandgaps that are tunable over a large range. Even though HP photovoltaic PCEs are improved these are still not commercially available due to them showing lower stability and energy loss due to severe charge recombination at the surface and interfaces in the device . Treating the HP surface with surface ligands has become a promising approach to improve photovoltaic performance, defect passivation, and interfacial energetics. In this dissertation,  the influence of ammonium functionalized p – conjugated ligands on MAPbI3 perovskite energetics, photovoltaic performance, and interfacial charge transfer is investigated. With the thiophene ligands, a drastic PCE drop was observed for p-i-n devices, and improved PCE was obtained for n-i-p devices. With PDI surface ligands no significant change was observed for photovoltaic performance.  Two-dimensional metal halide perovskites (2D HP) have captured interest in the field due to their improved stability against air, moisture, and light relative to their 3D counterparts. 2D HPs have a layered structure, where the organic spacer cations are sandwiched between layers of inorganic octahedra. This organic layer in 2D HPs adds additional protection against moisture and oxygen ingression and other degradation pathways . These materials are used as the active layer in LEDs and solar cells and as capping layers in 3D HPs. 2D perovskites demonstrate remarkable structural variabilities, where the properties can be modified by changing the layer thickness, the halide anion, and the spacer cation. To make devices with 2D perovskites we need to understand the influence of the organic spacer cations on the optoelectronic properties of these materials . In this work, we  investigate the influence of the dipole magnitude and the direction of a series of functionalized PEAI derivatives as organic spacer cations on the ionization energy and the electron affinity of 2D tin halide perovskites. However, determining ionization energy and electron affinity in HPs could be quite difficult as several methods are being used in data interpretation for HPs . In this work, we propose a method to assign the energy levels in 2D HPs by correcting for the instrumental resolution in ultraviolet and inverse photoemission spectroscopy.

The current standard of care (platinum-based drugs) for the treatment of different forms of malignancy have been very effective in the clinic, however the negative side effects associated with the administration of these platinum based-drugs remains an unsolved problem. Gold based molecules are among a few metal complexes that have been developed over the years in search for better chemotherapy drugs. While the anticancer mechanism of action of platinum-based drugs is well known to involve DNA damage, the mechanism of action of gold based small molecules remains a subject of debate. It is understood that gold-based complexes exhibit non-cisplatin like anticancer mechanism of action, hence the potential to overcome resistance seen in patients with recurrent tumors after initial remission with platinum-based drugs. Herein, we report efforts to elucidate the mechanism of action of novel gold-based anticancer agents with very potent inhibitory effect against triple negative breast cancers and ovarian cancer. A recurring observation from the mechanism of action studies is the perturbation of mitochondria physiology by these complexes. These includes; perturbation of mitochondria bioenergetics, depolarization of mitochondria membrane potential of the cells, increased mitochondria ROS production, depletion of mitochondria DNA, and disruption of mitochondria dynamics. Modified versions of the lead molecules were developed as probes to monitor in vitro localization of the complexes and facilitate elucidation of the mechanism of action. Target identification studies with a biotinylated lead complex unveiled heme oxygenase 2 (HMOX2) as a novel target in gold medicinal chemistry. Preliminary target validation studies revealed for the first time, HMOX2 as an upstream regulator of the MYC proto-oncogene. These findings uncover a new strategy for targeting tumor cells and reinforces the belief that small molecules can serve as probes to interrogate the complex cancer biology system and unveil new strategies for development of better chemotherapeutic agents.

Anaerobic bacteria and archaea thrive in seemingly inhospitable environments because they are extremely energy efficient. Their efficiency is based in large part on their ability to conduct electron transfer bifurcation ('bifurcation') at strongly reducing potentials, thereby producing extremely potent reducing agents able to fix nitrogen and make molecular hydrogen. This chemistry is made possible by the use of a flavin as the site of bifurcation, supported by a specialized protein environment and mechanisms that control the flow of individual electrons.

Bifurcating electron transfer flavoproteins (Bf-ETFs) are versatile protein modules that provide the bifurcating capability associated with several metabolic functions. Bf-ETFs enable use of low-energy electron reserves such as NADH to charge the carriers ferredoxin and flavodoxin with high-energy electrons. Bf-ETFs possess two flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactors. The bifurcating FAD (Bf-FAD) receives two electrons from NADH, and distributes them through two distinct pathways. One pathway involves exothermic electron transfer to a high- potential acceptor via the second FAD, the ET-FAD (electron transfer FAD). This provides the driving force to send the second electron to a lower potential (higher-energy) acceptor.

Investigations described herein elucidated the crystal structure and internal dynamics of flavodoxin (Fld), a high-energy acceptor in the bifurcation process. 19F NMR was used to examine conformational heterogeneity and dynamics of Fld free in solution, to characterize the flexibility of a 20-residue stretch of Fld's peptide chain that is believed to mediate interaction between Fld and ETF. Temperature-dependent NMR studies, alongside paramagnetic relaxation investigations comparing Fld in both its oxidized and semi-reduced forms, detailed internal dynamics pivotal to Fld's interactions with diverse partner proteins.

Complementary research explored conformational dynamics of ETF, employing small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). This revealed notable divergence from published structures, demonstrating presence of a more extended conformation in solution. Significant reduction- triggered conformational change was also discerned via SANS by comparing the fully oxidized and reduced states of ETF. Molecular dynamics simulations-based data modeling suggests coexistence of multiple ETF conformations, ranging from extended to compact, in solution.

Finally, conformational consequences of complex formation between ETF and a partner protein were examined. We demonstrated isolation of a complex between ETF and its high- potential acceptor butyryl CoA dehydrogenase (BCD). Innovative application of segmental deuteration of BCD in combination with SANS, enabled comprehensive insights into the conformational adaptations made by ETF upon complex formation. Contrast variation SANS, utilizing 80% deuterated BCD, was used to identify the match point, paving the way for advanced analysis of the complex's structural dynamics.

This work enriches comprehension of the roles played by dynamics in bifurcation, and advances new technical approaches for future explorations of conformational changes within multidomain proteins.