Researchers at CIEMAT, Spain and JRC, Germany have recently published a study exploring the potential risks of storing highly-irradiated spent nuclear fuel when the fuel oxidises. A Linkam THMS600 stage was used to accurately control the temperature under a flow of dried air. Time-resolved Raman spectra were obtained from different locations on the uranium pellet, over the course of several days. Changes between different regions were proposed to be a result of higher local burn up of the oxidation products caused by increased fission. This work could help to reduce the dangers of storing spent nuclear fuels.
Nanomaterial accumulation in boiling brines enhances epithermal bonanzas
Fluid inclusions are microscopic pockets of fluid trapped within minerals that can provide valuable information on the geological history and evolution of the Earth. By studying the temperature, pressure, and composition of these fluids, researchers can gain insights into the formation of ore deposits, the movement of tectonic plates, and the sequestration of carbon dioxide. However, analysing fluid inclusions is not an easy task, as they are often very small, heterogeneous, and sensitive to external conditions.
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, Cano et al. studied fluid inclusions in quartz samples from an epithermal bonanza-type ore deposit in Mexico. They used various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to analyse the temperature, pressure, and composition of the fluid inclusions, which contained nanomaterials of gold, silver, and copper. They proposed that these nanomaterials were formed by boiling of metal-rich brines and were responsible for the extremely high metal concentrations in the bonanza-type ore. Linkam’s THMSG600 stage used in this work was critical in order to accurately determine the homogenisation temperatures for the fluid inclusions.
Correlative 3D cryo X-ray imaging reveals intracellular location and effect of designed antifibrotic protein–nanomaterial hybrids
Cardiac fibrosis is a major health concern that affects millions of people worldwide and has a significant impact on the progression of many heart diseases. Despite its prevalence, there is currently no preventive or curative treatment for this condition due to the elusive mechanism of fibrosis and the lack of specific targets. However, recent developments in imaging technology and therapeutic agents offer new hope in the fight against cardiac fibrosis. In their recent paper Groen et al. explored how a novel 3D cryo correlative light and X-ray tomography (CLXT) imaging approach could be used to investigate a promising antifibrotic treatment for myocardial fibrosis, using a Linkam CMS196 to pre-screen vitrified grids. By incorporating this stage into their workflow, the researchers were able to remove damaged grids and locate cells of interest, ultimately saving valuable beamline time and increasing their efficiency.
Precise targeting for 3D cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy volume imaging of tissues using a FinderTOP
3D high-resolution imaging is essential for understanding the structural organisation and functioning of cells and tissues. Cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryoCLEM) is an approach that combines fluorescence microscopy with cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) to resolve the structure of proteins within their native cellular environment. This approach is mostly used for 2D cell cultures, but there is a growing demand for 3D biological model systems, such as organoids. High-pressure freezing (HPF) can be used to vitrify samples up to 200 μm in thickness, but the featureless ice surface of HPF tissue samples makes it difficult to precisely correlate light and electron images. CryoFIB/SEM volume imaging allows for detailed nanoscale investigation of vitrified samples with multi-micron dimensions, but cryoCLEM volume imaging of tissues is still to be explored. Cryogenic fixation and imaging can overcome some of the drawbacks of room temperature CLEM volume imaging, allowing for the visualisation of cells and tissues in their native state in their natural environment.
Using a Linkam CMS196 stage Beer et al. have demonstrated an innovative, targeted cryoCLEM workflow for tissues, in which cryogenic confocal fluorescence imaging of millimetre-scale volumes is correlated to 3D cryogenic electron imaging directed by a patterned surface generated during high-pressure freezing (HPF). They applied this workflow to study the mineralisation process in scales of zebrafish as a model system for 3D organs. The scales form an interesting model to study bone formation processes, as the elasmoblasts remain active and vital for hours after being removed from the skin. This workflow allowed for uncompromised imaging of tissues in their near-native state over all relevant length scales, from the millimetre down to the nanometre level, opening up future avenues to study structure-function relations of biological materials, in health and disease.
Quantifying and Reducing Ion Migration in Metal Halide Perovskites through Control of Mobile Ions
Metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells are of interest in the development of low cost, high efficiency solar panels and are usually studied by subjecting the material to degradation analysis. In their paper, Penukula et al. set out to develop a new method to directly quantify the ion migration in terms of mobile ion concentration (Nₒ) and ionic mobility (µ). The researchers used a Linkam LTS420E-PB4 stage, which incorporates a temperature control element and positional tungsten probes, to study the effect of temperature on MHP performance and conduct electrical measurements. Their study demonstrates that Nₒ has a larger impact on device stability than µ. The researchers also studied the effect of small alkali metal cation additives on ion migration and found that the choice of top electrode in MHP solar cells has a greater influence on Nₒ than moisture or cation additives.
Crystallisation of Poly(lactic acid) under continuous shear conditions: Online X-ray analysis in isothermal conditions
A paper by Volpe and Pantani, published in Thermochimica Acta, reports on the use of the Linkam Shearing Cell CSS450 to investigate the effect of shear rate on the isothermal crystallisation of poly(lactic acid), ‘PLA’, a biodegradable aliphatic polyester produced from renewable resources. The CSS450 is a temperature-controlled stage that allows the application of a continuous shear flow to a sample while observing its microstructure evolution by hot stage microscopy or spectroscopy.
The researchers coupled the CSS450 with in situ X-ray diffraction measurements at a synchrotron source to study the crystallinity evolution of PLA during continuous shear at different shear rates. They found that increasing the shear rate induced a dramatic decrease of the half crystallisation times; more than one order of magnitude in the analysed range of shear rates. They also applied a model for the description of crystallinity evolution and found that the nucleation rate needed to describe the data is much larger than that measured in a previous work in the same range of shear rates. This study demonstrates the potential of the CSS450 for studying the flow-induced crystallisation of polymers and other materials under realistic processing conditions.
Integrating a Fused Silica Capillary Cell and In Situ Raman Spectroscopy for Determining the Solubility of CO₂ in n-Decane and n-Decane + n-Hexane System
The urgent need to reduce carbon emissions has made Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) a potential technology for mitigating the effects of global warming. CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) is one of the main application methods for CCUS, and understanding the solubility of CO₂ in crude oil is crucial for conducting CO₂-EOR and CO₂ geological storage.
The solubility of CO₂ in n-decane and n-decane + n-hexane system at temperatures between 303.15 K and 353.15 K and pressures up to 15 MPa was measured using a fused silica capillary cell (FSCC) with in situ Raman spectroscopy. The accuracy of temperature control is critical for obtaining reliable solubility measurement, and Linkam's CAP500 stage was used to control the temperature of the FSCC where the solubility measurements were taken. A semi-empirical CO₂ solubility prediction model was obtained, and the results showed that the addition of co-solvent n-hexane had an enhancement effect on the dissolution of CO₂ under high-pressure conditions. This study provides important data for CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) and demonstrates the utility of in situ Raman spectroscopy and a FSCC in studying the solubility of CO₂ in various systems.
Crystallisation Kinetics of Vitreous Magnesium Sulfate Hydrate and Implications for Europa's Surface
Europa is a fascinating moon of Jupiter that is believed to have a subsurface ocean of liquid water. Recent studies have shown that the ocean may be in contact with the rocky mantle, making it a promising place to search for life beyond Earth. One of the challenges in studying Europa's potential habitability is understanding the stability and composition of non-ice materials, such as vitreous salt hydrates, on its surface. A Linkam LTS420 stage was used in this paper to vitrify aqueous solutions of MgSO₄, in order to replicate Europa like conditions, to probe potential the stability of extra-terrestrial salt hydrates.
Broadband orange-emitting Sr₃Si₈O₄N₁₀:Eu²⁺ phosphor discovered by a modified single-particle-diagnosis approach
Integrating a Linkam THMS600E stage into their custom in-house setup (consisting of a 365 nm LED light source and CCD spectrometer), Wang et al. were able to obtain temperature-dependent Photoluminescence to evaluate the moisture assisted degradation of the phosphor at 200 °C and 100% RH.
Quantitative Characterisation of Excess Pressure Gradient in the Upper Interval of Es4 Member of Dongying Depression and Its Indicative Significance for Oil Migration and Accumulation
In their paper, Zhao et al. use a Linkam THMS600 stage to investigate homogenisation temperatures of oil and gas inclusions in their paper to aid in the understanding of oil migration in petroliferous basins.
Insights into the amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) → ikaite → calcite transformations
In this paper the transformation of ikaite to calcite was monitored by Raman spectroscopy when the sample was rapidly heating on a Linkam THMSG600 stage.
The Effects of Solid Particle Containing Inks on the Printing Quality of Porous Pharmaceutical Structures Fabricated by 3D Semi-Solid Extrusion Printing
3D printing pharmaceutical products opens the door to an exciting world of individually tailored drugs, unique for each patient. In this paper the drying process of single and multi-layered printed materials was monitored using the Linkam Imaging Station, monitoring changes in pore size as the 3D printed paracetamol was dried.
Brillouin Light Scattering Characterisation of Grey Tone 3D Printed Isotropic Materials
3D direct laser writing technology is capable of producing polymer microstructures in a range of sizes, from nanometres to millimetres, with adjustable optical and elastic properties through grey-tone lithography. Researchers have characterized the temperature-dependent elastic constant of various reticulated isotropic polymers using Brillouin light scattering in a Linkam Stage.
Automated vitrification of cryo-EM samples with controllable sample thickness using suction and real-time optical inspection
Imaging of biological samples embedded in vitrified ice has become of great interest in recent years as it provides several advantages: the biological sample is in a fully hydrated state with superior preservation down to ultra-structural level, a vitrified sample is naturally compatible with the vacuum required for EM / Single Particle (SPT) / CLEM (Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy) and cryo-fluorescence provides very low photo-bleaching and high signal to noise imaging.
Preparation and handling of vitrified samples normally requires special skills and techniques. The novel design of the Linkam CryoGenium makes this a simple and reproducible process.
Grafting of thermotropic fluorinated mesogens on polysiloxane to improve the processability of linear low-density polyethylene
TSCPFLCP is a polysiloxane grafted with thermotropic fluorinated mesogens, which when blended with LLDPE reduces melt torque, broadens the processing window, ameliorates melt fracture, and enhances mechanical properties. The TSCPFLCP exhibits a smectic liquid crystal phase and high thermal decomposition temperature. These improvements are achieved at a low concentration of 0.5 wt% TSCPFLCP, indicating its effectiveness as a processing aid for LLDPE. The researchers were able to use a Linkam THMS600E stage to investigate the temperature-dependent texture of the polymer.
Monitoring Food Spoilage Based on a Defect-Induced Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Sensor at Room Temperature: Preventing Food Waste
Ethylene is a plant hormone emitted during fruit ripening that affects growth and development. Managing ethylene levels is crucial for preserving the quality of harvested fruit, and a sensor for detecting ethylene levels can help reduce food waste. Recent literature has focused on developing cost-effective, high-performance ethylene sensors, with carbon nanotubes being a promising material for chemiresistor-based sensors. In their paper Shaalan et al. used a Linkam HFS600E-PB4 stage with electrical connectors to test the performance of their sensor at 30 °C.
