Liquid and environmental TEM as transformative capabilities in carbon cycle research
EMSL Project ID
48579
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to develop a quantitative picture of the impact of increasing global temperatures on organic-soil mineral interactions within the context of both microbial control over mineral formation and immobilization of soluble organic matter (SOM) at soil mineral surfaces. In particular, we will define the stereochemical interactions, binding free energies, and activation barriers that characterize the SOM-mineral and microbe-mineral interfaces for a key set of mineral types and organic compositions. This will be accomplished by integrating in situ TEM capabilities of the Quiet Wing, expanded to incorporate a temperature-controlled, pH-metered, dual inlet flow stage, with the scanned probe imaging and force measurement capabilities available elsewhere in EMSL. These tools will be used to determine nucleation pathways, rates and resulting phases formed on films of both model and natural organic compounds relevant to soils and to measure the binding energies for these organics in contact with iron oxide and phyllosilicates mineral faces. This research addresses the BER mission of understanding of the roles of Earth's biogeochemical systems in determining climate. It uses laboratory experiments on organic-mineral interfaces to understand the interdependency of biogeochemical processes and carbon migration in soils. In addition, it enhances the ability of EMSL's Quiet Wing to advance the frontiers of climate and environmental science by introducing quantitative temperature control and chemical monitoring into its unique in situ liquid phase TEM capabilities.
Project Details
Project type
Special Science
Start Date
2014-09-19
End Date
2015-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members