High-resolution X-ray Absorption Near-edge Structure Research Articles

Actinyl Electronic Structure Probed by XAS: The Role of Many-Body Effects.

A detailed analysis of the wave functions for the M5 to 5f excitations in the linear actinyls, UO22+, NpO22+, and PuO22+, and the theoretical X-ray absorption spectra obtained with these wave functions in comparison with experimental M5-edge high-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES) spectra is presented. The wave functions include full treatment of scalar and spin-orbit relativistic effects through the use of a Dirac-Coulomb Hamiltonian; many-body effects are included in determining the wave functions. The character of the excited states and of the active spaces to describe the wave functions for these states are investigated and analyzed. It is shown that the excited states cannot, in general, be described with a single configuration but have an essential multiconfiguration character. The characterization of the properties of the excited states and the X-ray absorption spectra was achieved through the use of novel methods.

Photon-Modulated Bond Covalency of [Sm(II)(η9-C9H9)2

Lanthanides are widely assumed not to form covalent bonds due to the localized nature of their 4f valence electrons. This work demonstrates that the ionic bond of Sm(II) with cyclononatetraenyl (η9-C9H9-) in [Sm(η9-C9H9)2] can be modulated and becomes more covalent by photon-induced transfer of Sm 4f electrons to Sm 5d orbitals. This photon-induced change in bonding properties facilitates a subsequent reconfiguration of [Sm(η9-C9H9)2]. As a result, Sm-C bond length contraction is detected and the local Sm coordination environment exhibits more extensive disorder. Both Sm 4f and 5d electrons have increased participation in covalent Sm-ligand interactions. The Sm L3-edge valence band resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (VB-RIXS), high-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES), and quantum chemical computations showcase a spectroscopic methodology for in-depth studies of bond covalency of lanthanide atoms.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Stability of Two Americium Vanadates, AmVO3 and AmVO4.

In search for chemically stable americium compounds with high power densities for radioisotope sources for space applications, AmVO3 and AmVO4 were prepared by a solid-state reaction. We present here their crystal structure at room temperature solved by powder X-ray diffraction combined with Rietveld refinement. Their thermal and self-irradiation stabilities have been studied. The oxidation states of americium were confirmed by the Am M5 edge high-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES) technique. Such ceramics are investigated as potential power sources for space applications like radioisotope thermoelectric generators, and they have to endure extreme conditions including vacuum, high or low temperatures, and internal irradiation. Thus, their stability under self-irradiation and heat treatment in inert and oxidizing atmospheres was tested and discussed relative to other compounds with a high content of americium.

Implementation of cryogenic tender X-ray HR-XANES spectroscopy at the ACT station of the CAT-ACT beamline at the KIT Light Source.

The ACT experimental station of the CAT-ACT wiggler beamline at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Light Source is dedicated to the investigation of radionuclide materials with radioactivities up to 1000000 times the exemption limit by various speciation techniques applying monochromatic X-rays. In this article, the latest technological developments at the ACT station that enable high-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES) spectroscopy for low radionuclide loading samples are highlighted - encompassing the investigation of actinide elements down to 1 p.p.m. concentration - combined with a cryogenic sample environment reducing beam-induced sample alterations. One important part of this development is a versatile gas tight plexiglass encasement ensuring that all beam paths in the five-analyzer-crystal Johann-type X-ray emission spectrometer run within He atmosphere. The setup enables the easy exchange between different experiments (conventional X-ray absorption fine structure, HR-XANES, high-energy or wide-angle X-ray scattering, tender to hard X-ray spectroscopy) and opens up the possibility for the investigation of environmental samples, such as specimens containing transuranium elements from contaminated land sites or samples from sorption and diffusion experiments to mimic the far field of a breached nuclear waste repository.

Opportunities and challenges of applying advanced X-ray spectroscopy to actinide and lanthanide N-donor ligand systems.

N-donor ligands such as n-Pr-BTP [2,6-bis(5,6-dipropyl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine] preferentially bind trivalent actinides (An3+) over trivalent lanthanides (Ln3+) in liquid-liquid separation. However, the chemical and physical processes responsible for this selectivity are not yet well understood. Here, an explorative comparative X-ray spectroscopy and computational (L3-edge) study for the An/Ln L3-edge and the N K-edge of [An/Ln(n-Pr-BTP)3](NO3)3, [Ln(n-Pr-BTP)3](CF3SO3)3 and [Ln(n-Pr-BTP)3](ClO4)3 complexes is presented. High-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES) L3-edge data reveal additional features in the pre- and post-edge range of the spectra that are investigated using the quantum chemical codes FEFF and FDMNES. X-ray Raman spectroscopy studies demonstrate the applicability of this novel technique for investigations of liquid samples of partitioning systems at the N K-edge.

Biological Reduction of a U(V)-Organic Ligand Complex.

Metal-reducing microorganisms such as Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 reduce highly soluble species of hexavalent uranyl (U(VI)) to less mobile tetravalent uranium (U(IV)) compounds. The biologically mediated immobilization of U(VI) is being considered for the remediation of U contamination. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of biological U(VI) reduction remain unresolved. It has become clear that a first electron transfer occurs to form pentavalent (U(V)) intermediates, but it has not been definitively established whether a second one-electron transfer can occur or if disproportionation of U(V) is required. Here, we utilize the unusual properties of dpaea2– ((dpaeaH2=bis(pyridyl-6-methyl-2-carboxylate)-ethylamine)), a ligand forming a stable soluble aqueous complex with U(V), and investigate the reduction of U(VI)–dpaea and U(V)–dpaea by S. oneidensis MR-1. We establish U speciation through time by separating U(VI) from U(IV) by ion exchange chromatography and characterize the reaction end-products using U M4-edge high resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (HR-XANES) spectroscopy. We document the reduction of solid phase U(VI)–dpaea to aqueous U(V)–dpaea but, most importantly, demonstrate that of U(V)–dpaea to U(IV). This work establishes the potential for biological reduction of U(V) bound to a stabilizing ligand. Thus, further work is warranted to investigate the possible persistence of U(V)–organic complexes followed by their bioreduction in environmental systems.

The role of cysteine and sulfide in the interplay between microbial Hg(ii) uptake and sulfur metabolism.

Biogenic thiols, such as cysteine, have been used to control the speciation of Hg(ii) in bacterial exposure experiments. However, the extracellular biodegradation of excess cysteine leads to the formation of Hg(ii)-sulfide species, convoluting the interpretation of Hg(ii) uptake results. Herein, we test the hypothesis that Hg(ii)-sulfide species formation is a critical step during bacterial Hg(ii) uptake in the presence of excess cysteine. An Escherichia coli (E. coli) wild-type and mutant strain lacking the decR gene that regulates cysteine degradation to sulfide were exposed to 50 and 500 nM Hg with 0 to 2 mM cysteine. The decR mutant released ∼4 times less sulfide from cysteine degradation compared to the wild-type for all tested cysteine concentrations during a 3 hour exposure period. We show with thermodynamic calculations that the predicted concentration of Hg(ii)-cysteine species remaining in the exposure medium (as opposed to forming HgS(s)) is a good proxy for the measured concentration of dissolved Hg(ii) (i.e., not cell-bound). Likewise, the measured cell-bound Hg(ii) correlates with thermodynamic calculations for HgS(s) formation in the presence of cysteine. High resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure (HR-XANES) spectra confirm the existence of cell-associated HgS(s) at 500 nM total Hg and suggest the formation of Hg-S clusters at 50 nM total Hg. Our results indicate that a speciation change to Hg(ii)-sulfide controls Hg(ii) cell-association in the presence of excess cysteine.

Effect of CO Pressure Gradients on the Photochemistry and Thermal Chemistry of Fe(CO)5 Physisorbed into Porous Vycor Glass

Photolysis of Fe(CO)5 physisorbed into porous Vycor glass creates CO pressure gradients within the nanoporous matrix that promote Fe(CO)5 diffusion within the matrix and change the distribution of the complex within the matrix. Occurring on a time scale of the lifetimes of the sub-carbonyl photoproducts, pressure induced diffusion influences both the chemistry of the sub-carbonyl photoproducts and the subsequent oxidation of the elemental iron. High-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and Mossbauer spectra reveal photolysis creates an asymmetric distribution of Fe(III) and elemental iron, Fe0. The distribution of oxidation states within the matrix and the effect of temperature on the distribution indicate two oxidation pathways. Both pathways are complementary with respect to Fe(II), yet in contrast to that found in other silica matrices, neither process leads to the net formation of Fe(II) within this silica matrix.

STRUCTURAL ENVIRONMENTS AROUND MOLYBDENUM IN SILICATE GLASSES AND MELTS. I. INFLUENCE OF COMPOSITION AND OXYGEN FUGACITY ON THE LOCAL STRUCTURE OF MOLYBDENUM

The coordination chemistry of molybdenum was investigated in nine series of synthetic silicate glasses, including sodium disilicate (NS2), sodium trisilicate (NS3), albite (Ab), anorthite (An), Ab50An50, Ab30An70, diopside (DI), rhyolite (RH), and basalt (BA), using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopies. The Mo content of these glasses ranges from 300 ppm to 3 wt.%. On the basis of results derived from high-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, molybdenum is present primarily as molybdate moieties [Mo(VI)O42−] in most of the glass compositions prepared at f (O2) values ranging from 1 atm to 10−12 atm (temperatures ranging from 1100 to 1700°C, i.e., from air to IW+4). Analysis of extended XAFS (EXAFS) spectra of these glasses indicates an average Mo–O distance of ~1.76(1) A. No evidence for second-neighbor Si or Al around Mo was found in any of the glasses, confirming that molybdate moieties are not connected to the tetrahedral framework, in agreement with Pauling bond-valence predictions. The presence of molybdate moieties in regions of these glasses enriched in network modifiers helps explain why crystalline molybdates can nucleate easily in silicate glasses (and, by extension, in the corresponding melts). In the highly polymerized glass compositions (such as “Ab” or “RH”), Mo(VI)O66− moieties also exist, but at minor levels (<20% of the total Mo). In glasses prepared at low f (O2) (near IW), reduced species of Mo occur, such as molybdenyl [Mo(V) and Mo(IV)]. In glasses prepared at even lower f (O2) (near IW+4), Mo is present as a metallic precipitate. The prevalence of molybdate moieties in silicate glasses until relatively low oxygen fugacities (IW) are achieved appears to be at variance with the fact that molybdenite, Mo(IV)S2, is the dominant Mo-bearing mineral in the Earth’s crust. In a companion paper, we re-examine the speciation of molybdenum in more complex systems that are closer to geochemical reality, such as high-temperature melts, densified (high-pressure) glasses, and silicate glass compositions enriched in volatiles.

Iron local structure in tektites and impact glasses by extended X-ray absorption fine structure and high-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy

The local structure of iron in three tektites has been studied by means of Fe K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and high-resolution X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy in order to provide quantitative data on <Fe-O> distance and Fe coordination number. The samples studied are a moldavite and two australasian tektites. Fe model compounds with known Fe oxidation state and coordination number were used as standards in order to extract structural information from the XANES pre-edge peak. EXAFS-derived grand mean <Fe-O> distances and Fe coordination numbers for the three tektite samples are constant within the estimated error (<Fe-O > =2.00 Å ± 0.02 Å, CN = 4.0 ± 0.4). In contrast to other data from the literature on Fe-bearing silicate glasses, the tektites spectra could not be fitted with a single Fe-O distance, but rather were fit with two independent distances (2 × 1.92 Å and 2 × 2.08 Å). High-resolution XANES spectra of the three tektites display a pre-edge peak whose intensity is intermediate between those of staurolite and grandidierite, thus suggesting a mean coordination number intermediate between 4 and 5. Combining the EXAFS and XANES data for Fe, we infer the mean coordination number to be close to 4.5. Comparison of the tektites XANES spectra with those of a suite of different impact glasses clearly shows that tektites display a relatively narrow range of Fe oxidation state and coordination numbers, whereas impact glasses data span a much wider range of Fe oxidation states (from divalent to trivalent) and coordination numbers (from tetra-coordinated to esa-coordinated). These data suggest that the tektite production process is very similar for all the known strewn fields, whereas impact glasses can experience a wide variety of different temperature–pressure–oxygen fugacity conditions, leading to different Fe local structure in the resulting glasses. These data could be of aid in discriminating between tektite-like impact glasses and impact glasses sensu strictu.

Structure and electronic properties of SiO2/Si multilayer superlattices: Si K edge and L3,2 edge x-ray absorption fine structure study

We report an x-ray absorption fine structure study at the Si K and L3,2 edges of a series of Si/SiO2 superlattices (SL). The SL system comprises four periods of elemental silicon with a spacing of 1, 1.4, 2.2, and 2.6 nm sandwiched by a 1.5 nm silicon oxide and capped by a 3 nm silicon oxide layer. These systems exhibit electroluminescence and photoluminescence. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) at both the Si K and L3,2 edge confirms that the Si layers are amorphous. Polarization dependent measurement at the Si K edge reveals that a distinct Si/SiO2 interface exists with strong Si–O bonding oriented preferentially closer to the surface normal. High resolution XANES at the Si L3,2 edge shows a noticeable blueshift of the edge threshold as the lattice spacing decreases, in good accord with quantum confinement. The results and their implications for the origin (quantum confinement and interface/oxide defects) of luminescence in these superlattice systems are discussed.

High-resolution XANES spectra of iron in minerals and glasses: structural information from the pre-edge region

High-resolution X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) spectra of iron allow to take into account the effects of the coordination numbers on the quantification of redox values. Volcanic glasses show split pre-edge features, arising from a bimodal distribution between the relative contributions of ferric and ferrous iron. The chemical shift between these two oxidation states, 2 eV, has been resolved using a 400 Si monochromator. High-resolution pre-edge spectroscopy shows the distribution of ferric and ferrous iron between various coordination states. Ferrous iron is mostly fivefold-coordinated and minority fourfold-coordinated while ferric iron occurs in fourfold and sixfold-coordinated sites. The importance of 6Fe 3+ in basaltic glasses may explain the formation of magnetite during glass oxidation. The increase of 4Fe 3+ in the more silicic, pantelleritic glass is consistent with the peralkaline character of this glass. The increase of the proportion of tetrahedral Fe 3+, accompanied by more covalent Fe 3+–O bonds, is consistent with the chemical dependence of redox equilibria in magmatic systems, in which the most differentiated terms correspond to more oxidizing compositions.

Mn K-Edge XANES Spectroscopy of a Photosynthetic O2-Evolving Complex. High-Quality Pre-Edge Features and Distinct Fine Structures in the S1- and S2-States1

High-resolution XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure) spectroscopy for Mn in the S1 and S2 states of the spinach photosynthetic O2-evolving complex revealed distinct features in K-edge spectra, when a high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of ca. 80 with a low and constant background-to-signal (B/S) ratio of 0.15 to 0.18 was attained. Six features resolved in each S-state spectrum involve a pre-edge feature due to 1s----3d transitions, a main-edge feature possibly due to 1s----4s transitions and four fine structures superimposed on the principal absorption bands due to 1s----4p* transitions. The high-quality pre-edge features were analyzed according to a parametric ligand-field theory in comparison with those of some typical authentic Mn complexes. It was deduced that i) all of the four Mn ions in the S1-state are octahedrally coordinated and two of them constitute a di-mu-oxo bridged Mn(III, III) dimeric subunit; ii) the bridged Mn(III) ions are further bridged by a deprotonated water dimer, (HOHOH)-, and coordinated by imidazole-N and carboxylate-O- on the opposite side of the Mn atom from the di-mu-oxo bridge; iii) the other two Mn ions exist in the form of Mn(III) monomeric subunits; and iv) upon the S1----S2 transition, only the bridged Mn(III,III) is oxidized to Mn(III,IV). The distinct change in the principal absorption band shape upon the S1----S2 transition is briefly discussed to obtain the XANES evidence for a tetrameric Mn-cluster.