1
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Antony LS, Monin L, Aarts M, Alarcon-Llado E. Unveiling Nanoscale Heterogeneities at the Bias-Dependent Gold-Electrolyte Interface. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12933-12940. [PMID: 38591960 PMCID: PMC11099963 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Electrified solid-liquid interfaces (SLIs) are extremely complex and dynamic, affecting both the dynamics and selectivity of reaction pathways at electrochemical interfaces. Enabling access to the structure and arrangement of interfacial water in situ with nanoscale resolution is essential to develop efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we probe the SLI energy of a polycrystalline Au(111) electrode in a neutral aqueous electrolyte through in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy. We acquire potential-dependent maps of the local interfacial adhesion forces, which we associate with the formation energy of the electric double layer. We observe nanoscale inhomogeneities of interfacial adhesion force across the entire map area, indicating local differences in the ordering of the solvent/ions at the interface. Anion adsorption has a clear influence on the observed interfacial adhesion forces. Strikingly, the adhesion forces exhibit potential-dependent hysteresis, which depends on the local gold grain curvature. Our findings on a model electrode extend the use of scanning probe microscopy to gain insights into the local molecular arrangement of the SLI in situ, which can be extended to other electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Aarts
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Alarcon-Llado
- AMOLF, Amsterdam 1098 XG, The Netherlands
- Van’t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University
of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090, GD, The Netherlands
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2
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Carr AJ, Lee SE, Uysal A. Ion and water adsorption to graphene and graphene oxide surfaces. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:14319-14337. [PMID: 37561081 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02452k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Graphene and graphene oxide (GO) are two particularly promising nanomaterials for a range of applications including energy storage, catalysis, and separations. Understanding the nanoscale interactions between ions and water near graphene and GO surfaces is critical for advancing our fundamental knowledge of these systems and downstream application success. This minireview highlights the necessity of using surface-specific experimental probes and computational techniques to fully characterize these interfaces, including the nanomaterial, surrounding water, and any adsorbed ions, if present. Key experimental and simulation studies considering water and ion structures near both graphene and GO are discussed. The major findings are: water forms 1-3 hydration layers near graphene; ions adsorb electrostatically to graphene under an applied potential; the chemical and physical properties of GO vary considerably depending on the synthesis route; and these variations influence water and ion adsorption to GO. Lastly, we offer outlooks and perspectives for these research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Carr
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA.
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA.
| | - Ahmet Uysal
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA.
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3
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Nanoarchitecture factors of solid electrolyte interphase formation via 3D nano-rheology microscopy and surface force-distance spectroscopy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1321. [PMID: 36898996 PMCID: PMC10006426 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The solid electrolyte interphase in rechargeable Li-ion batteries, its dynamics and, significantly, its nanoscale structure and composition, hold clues to high-performing and safe energy storage. Unfortunately, knowledge of solid electrolyte interphase formation is limited due to the lack of in situ nano-characterization tools for probing solid-liquid interfaces. Here, we link electrochemical atomic force microscopy, three-dimensional nano-rheology microscopy and surface force-distance spectroscopy, to study, in situ and operando, the dynamic formation of the solid electrolyte interphase starting from a few 0.1 nm thick electrical double layer to the full three-dimensional nanostructured solid electrolyte interphase on the typical graphite basal and edge planes in a Li-ion battery negative electrode. By probing the arrangement of solvent molecules and ions within the electric double layer and quantifying the three-dimensional mechanical property distribution of organic and inorganic components in the as-formed solid electrolyte interphase layer, we reveal the nanoarchitecture factors and atomistic picture of initial solid electrolyte interphase formation on graphite-based negative electrodes in strongly and weakly solvating electrolytes.
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4
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Garcia R. Interfacial Liquid Water on Graphite, Graphene, and 2D Materials. ACS NANO 2023; 17:51-69. [PMID: 36507725 PMCID: PMC10664075 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The optical, electronic, and mechanical properties of graphite, few-layer, and two-dimensional (2D) materials have prompted a considerable number of applications. Biosensing, energy storage, and water desalination illustrate applications that require a molecular-scale understanding of the interfacial water structure on 2D materials. This review introduces the most recent experimental and theoretical advances on the structure of interfacial liquid water on graphite-like and 2D materials surfaces. On pristine conditions, atomic-scale resolution experiments revealed the existence of 1-3 hydration layers. Those layers were separated by ∼0.3 nm. The experimental data were supported by molecular dynamics simulations. However, under standard working conditions, atomic-scale resolution experiments revealed the presence of 2-3 hydrocarbon layers. Those layers were separated by ∼0.5 nm. Linear alkanes were the dominant molecular specie within the hydrocarbon layers. Paradoxically, the interface of an aged 2D material surface immersed in water does not have water molecules on its vicinity. Free-energy considerations favored the replacement of water by alkanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Garcia
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales
de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049Madrid, Spain
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5
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Arvelo DM, Uhlig MR, Comer J, García R. Interfacial layering of hydrocarbons on pristine graphite surfaces immersed in water. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:14178-14184. [PMID: 36124993 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr04161h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Interfacial water participates in a wide range of phenomena involving graphite, graphite-like and 2D material interfaces. Recently, several high-spatial resolution experiments have questioned the existence of hydration layers on graphite, graphite-like and 2D material surfaces. Here, 3D AFM was applied to follow in real-time and with atomic-scale depth resolution the evolution of graphite-water interfaces. Pristine graphite surfaces upon immersion in water showed the presence of several hydration layers separated by a distance of 0.3 nm. Those layers were short-lived. After several minutes, the interlayer distance increased to 0.45 nm. At longer immersion times (∼50 min) we observed the formation of a third layer. An interlayer distance of 0.45 nm characterizes the layering of predominantly alkane-like hydrocarbons. Molecular dynamics calculations supported the experimental observations. The replacement of water molecules by hydrocarbons on graphite is spontaneous. It happens whenever the graphite-water volume is exposed to air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Arvelo
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Manuel R Uhlig
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jeffrey Comer
- Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 66506, USA
| | - Ricardo García
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, CSIC, c/Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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6
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John S, Kühnle A. Hydration Structure at the Calcite-Water (10.4) Interface in the Presence of Rubidium Chloride. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:11691-11698. [PMID: 36120896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Solid-liquid interfaces are of significant importance in a multitude of geochemical and technological fields. More specifically, the solvation structure plays a decisive role in the properties of the interfaces. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to resolve the interfacial hydration structure in the presence and absence of ions. Despite many studies investigating the calcite-water interface, the impact of ions on the hydration structure at this interface has rarely been studied. Here, we investigate the calcite-water interface at various concentrations (ranging from 0 to 5 M) of rubidium chloride (RbCl) using three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D AFM). We present molecularly resolved images of the hydration structure at the interface. Interestingly, the characteristic pattern of the hydration structure appears similar regardless of the RbCl concentration. The presence of the ions is detected in an indirect manner by more frequent contrast changes and slice displacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon John
- Physical Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Angelika Kühnle
- Physical Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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7
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Huang S, Colosqui CE, Young YN, Stone HA. The effects of surface hydration on capillary adhesion under nanoscale confinement. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:4786-4791. [PMID: 35708007 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00473a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale phenomena such as surface hydration and the molecular layering of liquids under strong nanoscale confinement play a critical role in liquid-mediated surface adhesion that is not accounted for by available models, which assume a uniform liquid density with or without considering surface forces and associated disjoining pressure effects. This work introduces an alternative theoretical description that via the potential of mean force (PMF) considers the strong spatial variation of the liquid number density under nanoscale confinement. This alternative description based on the PMF predicts a dual effect of surface hydration by producing: (i) strong spatial oscillations of the local liquid density and pressure and, more importantly, (ii) a configuration-dependent liquid-solid surface energy under nanoscale confinement. Theoretical analysis and molecular dynamics simulations for the case of an axisymmetric water bridge with nanoscale heights show that the latter hydration effect is critical for the accurate prediction of the surface energy and adhesion forces when a small volume of liquid is nanoscopically confined by two surfaces approaching contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Huang
- Applied Mathematics & Statistics Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Carlos E Colosqui
- Applied Mathematics & Statistics Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Y-N Young
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Howard A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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8
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Lee M, Choi H, Kim B, Kim J. Giant fluidic impedance of nanometer-sized water bridges: Shear capillary force at the nanoscale. Phys Rev E 2022; 105:065108. [PMID: 35854551 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.105.065108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We analytically show that the interfacial fluid's molecular dynamics of capillary bridges induces both elastic and dissipative forces to the shearing plane. Surprisingly, the nanometer-sized, liquid-solid contact line of the bridges exerts a giant "shear" force on the solid surface, which is 10^{5} higher than the usual viscous interaction and comparable to that of solid-solid direct-contact friction. These results are consistent with previously reported experimental data and may provide clues to longstanding questions on the apparent viscosity of the nanoconfined fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manhee Lee
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyouju Choi
- Department of Physics, Research Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongsu Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Jongwoo Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
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9
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Shi L, Gao Y, Ying Z, Xu A, Cheng Y. Charge-induced proton penetration across two-dimensional clay materials. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:6518-6525. [PMID: 35420610 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr00262k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional clay materials possess superior thermal and chemical stability, and the intrinsic tubular channels in their atomic structure provide possible routes for proton penetration. Therefore, they are expected to overcome the lack of materials that can conduct protons between 100-500 °C. In this work, we investigated the detailed proton penetration mechanism across 2D clay nanosheets with different isomorphic substitutions and counterions using extensive ab initio molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations. We found that the presence of negative surface charges can dramatically reduce the proton penetration energy barrier to about one-third that of the neutral case, making it a feasible choice for the design of next-generation high-temperature proton exchange membranes. By tuning the isomorphic substitutions, the proton conductivity of single-layer clay materials can be altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Yushuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Zhixuan Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Ao Xu
- School of Aeronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Yonghong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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10
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Li Z, Liu Q, Zhang D, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Li Q, Dong M. Probing the hydration friction of ionic interfaces at the atomic scale. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:368-375. [PMID: 35195643 DOI: 10.1039/d1nh00564b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite the extensive studies conducted in exploring friction in the aqueous environment, the mechanism of hydration friction remains not well understood. Herein, we directly probed hydration friction on mica-electrolyte interfaces with different hydrated alkali cations through a combination of three-dimensional atomic force microscopy and friction force microscopy. The atomic scale imaging of the hydration layers at the mica surface in different electrolyte solutions clearly revealed a correlation between the alkali cations and the structure of the hydration layers. Our detailed analysis showed that the hydration force was much higher at high ionic concentrations than that at low concentrations. The hydration friction coefficient was found to follow the trend K+< Na+< Li+< Cs+, which contrasts with the Hofmeister series, indicating that the hydration friction depends not only on the hydration strength of the alkali cations but also on the arrangement of the alkali cations at the interface. The results of this study provide deep insights into the origins of hydration friction, with potential implications for the development of new boundary lubrication in aqueous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Li
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Deliang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Yin Wang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK-8000, Denmark.
| | - Yuge Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK-8000, Denmark.
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11
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Biliškov N. Infrared spectroscopic monitoring of solid-state processes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:19073-19120. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01458k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We put a spotlight on IR spectroscopic investigations in materials science by providing a critical insight into the state of the art, covering both fundamental aspects, examples of its utilisation, and current challenges and perspectives focusing on the solid state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Biliškov
- Rudjer Bošković Institute, Bijenička c. 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, Canada
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12
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Santos S, Olukan TA, Lai CY, Chiesa M. Hydration Dynamics and the Future of Small-Amplitude AFM Imaging in Air. Molecules 2021; 26:7083. [PMID: 34885666 PMCID: PMC8658801 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we discuss the effects that the dynamics of the hydration layer and other variables, such as the tip radius, have on the availability of imaging regimes in dynamic AFM-including multifrequency AFM. Since small amplitudes are required for high-resolution imaging, we focus on these cases. It is possible to fully immerse a sharp tip under the hydration layer and image with amplitudes similar to or smaller than the height of the hydration layer, i.e., ~1 nm. When mica or HOPG surfaces are only cleaved, molecules adhere to their surfaces, and reaching a thermodynamically stable state for imaging might take hours. During these first hours, different possibilities for imaging emerge and change, implying that these conditions must be considered and reported when imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Santos
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; (T.A.O.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Tuza A. Olukan
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; (T.A.O.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Chia-Yun Lai
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; (T.A.O.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Chiesa
- Department of Physics and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; (T.A.O.); (C.-Y.L.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory for Energy and NanoScience, Masdar Institute Campus, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Lai T, Zhu T, Chen Y, Guo M. Different Evolution Behaviors of Adhesion Force with Relative Humidity at Silica/Silica and Silica/Graphene Interfaces Studied using Atomic Force Microscopy. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:13075-13084. [PMID: 34704765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The influence of relative humidity (RH) on adhesion forces demands clarification. Adhesion forces at silica/silica and silica/graphene interfaces were measured on an atomic force microscope to investigate the evolution behaviors with RH and the contact time dependence at a certain RH. For the silica/silica interface, the adhesion force at a location by decreasing RH is independent of RH, but increases as a whole with RH both at a location and in the force volume mode by increasing RH. However, for the silica/graphene interface at a location, the adhesion force remains unchanged with RH as a whole by reducing RH and tends to decrease as a whole by increasing RH. In the force volume mode, the adhesion force at the silica/graphene interface is independent of RH. For the silica/silica interface, the adhesion force increases logarithmically with dwell time at a low RH and remains unchanged at a high RH. However, for the silica/graphene interface, the force is not dependent on RH at low and high RHs. The results can serve to further understand the mechanisms and behaviors of adhesion forces and promote the anti-adhesion design for small-scale silicon-based structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianmao Lai
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuguo Chen
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mingli Guo
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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14
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O’Callahan B, Qafoku O, Balema V, Negrete OA, Passian A, Engelhard MH, Waters KM. Atomic Force Microscopy and Infrared Nanospectroscopy of COVID-19 Spike Protein for the Quantification of Adhesion to Common Surfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:12089-12097. [PMID: 34609882 PMCID: PMC8507151 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives worldwide, sickened many more, and has resulted in severe socioeconomic consequences. As society returns to normal, understanding the spread and persistence of SARS CoV-2 on commonplace surfaces can help to mitigate future outbreaks of coronaviruses and other pathogens. We hypothesize that such an understanding can be aided by studying the binding and interaction of viral proteins with nonbiological surfaces. Here, we propose a methodology for investigating the adhesion of the SARS CoV-2 spike glycoprotein on common inorganic surfaces such as aluminum, copper, iron, silica, and ceria oxides as well as metallic gold. Quantitative adhesion was obtained from the analysis of measured forces at the nanoscale using an atomic force microscope operated under ambient conditions. Without imposing further constraints on the measurement conditions, our preliminary findings suggest that spike glycoproteins interact with similar adhesion forces across the majority of the metal oxides tested with the exception to gold, for which attraction forces ∼10 times stronger than all other materials studied were observed. Ferritin, which was used as a reference protein, was found to exhibit similar adhesion forces as SARS CoV-2 spike protein. This study results show that glycoprotein adhesion forces for similar ambient humidity, tip shape, and contact surface are nonspecific to the properties of metal oxide surfaces, which are expected to be covered by a thin water film. The findings suggest that under ambient conditions, glycoprotein adhesion to metal oxides is primarily controlled by the water capillary forces, and they depend on the surface tension of the liquid water. We discuss further strategies warranted to decipher the intricate nanoscale forces for improved quantification of the adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian O’Callahan
- Earth
and Biological Sciences Division, Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Odeta Qafoku
- Earth
and Biological Sciences Division, Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Viktor Balema
- Ames
Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Iowa
State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Oscar A. Negrete
- Biotechnology
and Bioengineering Department, Sandia National
Laboratories, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Ali Passian
- Quantum
Information Science Group, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Mark H. Engelhard
- Earth
and Biological Sciences Division, Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Katrina M. Waters
- Earth
and Biological Sciences Division, Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
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