Synchrotron and Neutron Scattering Support for the University of Oslo

The funding received has enabled us to perform cutting-edge scientific research and training in fields ranging from Materials Science and the Life Sciences to Cultural Heritage, including conservation of the Oseberg ships. Many of this research is only possible when using large international research facilities, such as the ESRF in Grenoble, France and the European Spallation Source currently being built in Lund, Sweden, which are giant X-ray and neutron machines. The whole range of our activities was featured in ESRF highlights. For example, the Morth group published work on a membrane-bound magnesium pump and described how zinc could affect the pH balance in the brain. The Krengel group solved the crystal structures of anti-tumor antibodies and bacterial toxins as well as enzyme variants optimized by directed evolution. Many of these structures are important for the development of new medicines. The Hersleth & Andersson groups solved the crystal structures of several redox proteins involved in enzyme activation, and continued the implementation of the in situ single-crystal UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy setup at SNBL. The Dalhus/Bjørås group solved several structures of an enzyme involved in metabolic disorder to understand the molecular basis of the disease. They further solved the structures of several DNA and RNA processing proteins, and their inhibitors complexes, as well as the structures of carbohydrate-processing enzymes (chitinases) and their substrates. The Soft Matter group (Lund) studied self-assembly of novel polymers, peptides and peptidomimetics for biomedical applications, mainly using SAXS. The interaction of antimicrobial peptides with model membranes was studied using a combination of SAXS and SANS, and the dynamics of polymeric micelles and polymer hydrogels using contrast variation and time-resolved SANS. With this technique, the microscopic mechanism of molecular transport in nano-crystalline micelles and the rheological properties (self-healing) of polymer gels can be understood. The techniques are also applied to more biologically relevant systems such as lipid membranes. The NAFUMA group committed significant effort on studying rechargeable battery structures and fuel cell technology, including the construction of a dedicated cell and sample changer for studying batteries in situ at SNBL. The discovery of a new and highly promising type of anode (bismiuth metallates) for sodium and lithium batteries was developed upon applying synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine their mechanisms. For the first time, combined X-ray diffraction /pair distribution function (PDF) computed tomography was applied to battery materials, using this powerful new technique to solve the long-standing question of how phosphorus functions as a sodium ion battery anode. This work was selected as the 30000th scientific paper of the ESRF. For several materials also the dynamics was studied, using inelastic neutron scattering and quasi-elastic neutron spectroscopy. Examples where SR methods were applied to industrial materials included the first successful combination of in situ PDF and NMR studies on a zeolite catalyst and operando XRD on sorbent materials important for carbon capture. At the Catalysis Section, the activity and deactivation of porous catalysts was probed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Methane to methanol conversion in mild conditions represents a ?dream reaction?, with an enormous impact on the energy sector and the chemical industry. Combining activity measurements with in situ/operando XAS, structure-activity relationships were established for Cu-SSZ-13 zeolites, shedding light on the nature of Cu-active sites. Deactivation of catalysts in industrial reactors causes significant costs to the petrochemical industry and is still poorly understood. One of the most important petrochemical catalysts is the zeolite ZSM-5, which is used in methanol to gasoline conversion. It is deactivated by coke forming inside the zeolite channels. SR experiments revealed how and why carbonaceous material forms in different parts of the zeolite in 3-dimensions, results of great importance to industry. The Cultural Heritage group continued with investigations on metal compounds in the wooden objects of the Oseberg collection. Results of the experiments will contribute to a preservation strategy for these unique artefacts. In collaboration with the National Museum the phenomenon of 'dripping colors' was studied: oil paints on contemporary paintings tend to soften, exudate and even drip. Our investigations aim to stop this process and consolidate the affected paints. A third group of objects are medieval altar pieces from Norwegian churches. Areas of green paints flake off from the objects; the reason for this is unknown, and we hope that synchrotron-based IR microscopy will help to elucidate the chemical processes involved.

UiO-SYNKNØYT consists of a consortium of groups that are all actively pursuing synchrotron research. Most of the groups in addition carry out neutron scattering experiments. The funding will support a broad spectrum of research and training activities ranging from Materials Science and the Life Sciences to Cultural Heritage. It is further planned to extend current activities to make use of the planned European Spallation Source (ESS).