3 research outputs found
Nuclear spin effects in biological processes
Traditionally, nuclear spin is not considered to affect biological processes. Recently, this has changed as isotopic fractionation that deviates from classical mass dependence was reported both in vitro and in vivo. In these cases, the isotopic effect correlates with the nuclear magnetic spin. Here, we show nuclear spin effects using stable oxygen isotopes (16O, 17O, and 18O) in two separate setups: an artificial dioxygen production system and biological aquaporin channels in cells. We observe that oxygen dynamics in chiral environments (in particular its transport) depend on nuclear spin, suggesting future applications for controlled isotope separation to be used, for instance, in NMR. To demonstrate the mechanism behind our findings, we formulate theoretical models based on a nuclear-spin-enhanced switch between electronic spin states. Accounting for the role of nuclear spin in biology can provide insights into the role of quantum effects in living systems and help inspire the development of future biotechnology solutions
Chiral Molecular Coating of a LiNiCoMnO<sub>2</sub> Cathode for High-Rate Capability Lithium-Ion Batteries
The growing demand
for energy has increased the need
for battery
storage, with lithium-ion batteries being widely used. Among those,
nickel-rich layered lithium transition metal oxides [LiNi1–x–yCoxMnyO2 NCM (1 – x – y > 0.5)] are some of the promising cathode materials
due
to their high specific capacities and working voltages. In this study,
we demonstrate that a thin, simple coating of polyalanine chiral molecules
improves the performance of Ni-rich cathodes. The chiral organic coating
of the active material enhances the discharge capacity and rate capability.
Specifically, NCM811 and NCM622 electrodes coated with chiral molecules
exhibit lower voltage hysteresis and better rate performance, with
a capacity improvement of >10% at a 4 C discharge rate and an average
improvement of 6%. We relate these results to the chirally induced
spin selectivity effect that enables us to reduce the resistance of
the electrode interface and to reduce dramatically the overpotential
needed for the chemical process by aligning the electron spins