Revealing the Interfacial Structures and Formation Dynamics of Nanocrystalline Ice Using in situ Electron Microscopy
EMSL Project ID
60286
Abstract
Despite being one of the most important processes in atmospheric precipitation and therapeutic treatment, nanoscale ice formation remains poorly understood. We propose to develop real-space methodologies to understand nanoscale ice structures and formation dynamics in colloidal fluids, particularly when mediated by proteins, minerals, and polymeric nanomaterials. Specifically, we aim to implement low-temperature (scanning) transmission electron microscopy [(S)TEM] to (i) map the surface and interface structure of ice and ice-colloid boundaries at atomic resolution and (ii) observe nanoscale ice nucleation, growth, and transformation in colloidal fluids, including bio-liquids and aerosol analogs. We will identify how proteins, minerals, and polymeric nanomaterials promote or inhibit ice formation and how ice nanocrystals perturb their structure. Ice-binding proteins (IBPs),1 including naturally harvested and those synthesized artificially through de novo design, will be tested. Taken together, this work will provide new capabilities for studying nano- and atomic-scale low-temperature phenomena, provide new insights on ice formation dynamics, and may eventually lead to novel ice inhibition protocols/agents and atmospheric models.This research directly addresses DOE Basic Energy Science priorities in the science of water. Specifically, it aims to tackle the scientific challenges stated in the Basic Research Needs report on “Energy and Water:” (i) understanding of the molecular-to-macroscopic properties and behavior of complex fluids at conditions relevant to energy-water systems; and (ii) understanding of mechanisms and kinetics for nucleation, growth, self-assembly, and phase separation is critical to allow prediction of phase behavior. By systematically addressing the questions relevant to the surface and interface structures of ice, we will provide a comprehensive picture of how nanoscale ice forms, transforms, and interacts with other materials. Through further collaboration with the Atmospheric Sciences & Global Change Division at PNNL, we may organically integrate our findings from this project into the higher-order atmospheric model for more accurate predictions and better historical climate estimations. Discoveries on ice formation in cellular liquids will provide insight into many biological processes relevant to low temperatures. For instance, how certain organisms survive at very low temperatures. This study fits in PNNL’s strategic missions in multidimensional earth system processes, and in particular, will pave avenues to nanoscale and molecular-level mechanisms and control of ice dynamics.
Project Details
Start Date
2022-03-10
End Date
2022-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)