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Multivalent interactions of the disordered regions of XLF and XRCC4 foster robust cellular NHEJ and drive the formation of ligation-boosting condensates in vitro
No full textInternational audienceIn mammalian cells, DNA double-strand breaks are predominantly repaired by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). During repair, the Ku70/80 heterodimer (Ku), XRCC4 in complex with DNA Ligase 4 (X4L4), and XLF form a flexible scaffold that holds the broken DNA ends together. Insights into the architectural organization of the NHEJ scaffold and its regulation by the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) have recently been obtained by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy analysis. However, several regions, especially the C-terminal regions (CTRs) of the XRCC4 and XLF scaffolding proteins, have largely remained unresolved in experimental structures, which hampers the understanding of their functions. Here, we used magnetic resonance techniques and biochemical assays to comprehensively characterize the interactions and dynamics of the XRCC4 and XLF CTRs at atomic resolution. We show that the CTRs of XRCC4 and XLF are intrinsically disordered and form a network of multivalent heterotypic and homotypic interactions that promotes robust cellular NHEJ activity. Importantly, we demonstrate that the multivalent interactions of these CTRs led to the formation of XLF and X4L4 condensates in vitro which can recruit relevant effectors and critically stimulate DNA end ligation. Our work highlights the role of disordered regions in the mechanism and dynamics of NHEJ and lays the groundwork for the investigation of NHEJ protein disorder and its associated condensates inside cells with implications in cancer biology, immunology and the development of genome editing strategies
Preliminary study of selective contacts for hot carrier solar cells
No full textInternational audienceHot carrier solar cells are a concept of photovoltaic devices, which offers the opportunity to harvest solar energy beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit. Unlike conventional photovoltaic devices, hot carrier solar cells convert excess kinetic energy into useful electrical power rather than losing it through thermalisation mechanisms. To extract the carriers while they are still "hot", efficient energy-selective contacts must be developed. In previous studies, the presence of the hot carrier population in a p-i-n solar cell based on a single InGaAsP quantum well on InP substrate at room temperature has been demonstrated by means of complementary optical and electrical measurements, leading to an operating condition for this device beyond the limit for classical device operation. This result allows to design a new generation of devices to increase the hot carrier conversion contribution. In this work, we study InGaAs/AlInAs type II heterojunction as a selective contact for a future hot carrier solar cell device epitaxially grown on (001) oriented InP substrate. Two p-i-n solar cells have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InP. The absorber is a 50 nm-thick InGaAs layer surrounded by AlInAs barriers, all lattice-matched to InP. Two architectures are compared, the first with two symmetrical AlInAs barriers and the second with a single InGaAs quantum well in the center of the n-side barrier to allow electron tunneling across the barrier. Electrical characteristics under laser illumination with two different wavelengths have been measured to investigate the effect of the selective contact compared to the barrier. This preliminary study of InGaAs/AlInAs-based selective contacts show that such III-V combination is adapted for a future hot carrier solar cell in the InP technology.</div
Advanced granulometric characterization of shredded waste printed circuit boards for sampling
No full textInternational audienceWhether it be to measure their value before a trade, to calculate yields and optimize the recycling process or to check for the presence of harmful substances, Waste Electronic and Electric Equipments (WEEE) need to be characterized. Sampling can give an accurate assessment of the grade of a batch of WEEE, but quantifying the uncertainty around this estimate can be delicate. Pierre Gy’s sampling theory of particulate matter studies how the latter is affected by the physical and chemical properties of the studied objects. However, its application requires a deep understanding of the correlations existing between their size, shape, volume, density, mass and grade, which are still unclear for WEEE fragments. Although average information is typically available on batches of WEEE, a more detailed description would be necessary to gain insight into such relationships.To start filling the gap, this paper focuses on the fine characterization of two different batches of waste printed circuit boards, crushed into pieces of about 10 mm. One by one, over 5,000 fragments were sampled, photographed and analyzed. Their individual mass, density, volume, thickness, surface, width and length were all measured separately. Based on their appearance, they were also sorted into four heuristic categories: plastic, metal, circuit boards and electronic components. Descriptive statistics of this novel granulometric database are shown here, throwing light on the unique correlations between the studied parameters and exhibiting a peculiar mass-size law. They point to new avenues on how to adapt Gy’s sampling model to WEEE
Extraction and Recovery of Tantalum from Capacitors Using Conventional Separation Methods Assisted by Thermal Plasma
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Surface Iodide Defects Control the Kinetics of the CsPbI 3 Perovskite Phase Transformation
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Doped SnO 2 thin films fabricated at low temperature by atomic layer deposition with a precise incorporation of niobium atoms
No full textInternational audienceNb-doped SnO 2 (NTO) thin films were synthesized by atomic layer deposition technique at low temperature (100 °C). For an efficient incorporation of the Nb atoms, i.e. fine control of their amount and distribution, various supercycle ratios and precursor pulse sequences were explored. The thin film growth process studied by in-situ QCM revealed that the Nb incorporation is highly impacted by the surface nature as well as the amount of species available at the surface. This was confirmed by the actual concentration of the Nb atom incorporated inside the thin film as determined by XPS. Highly transparent thin films which transmit more than 95% of the AM1.5 global solar irradiance over a wide spectral range (300–1000 nm) were obtained. In addition, the Nb atoms influenced the optical band gap, conduction band, and valence band levels. While SnO 2 thin film were too resistive, films tuned to conductive nature upon Nb incorporation with controlled concentration. Optimal incorporation level was found to be ⩽1 at.% of Nb, and carrier concentration reached up 2.5 × 10 18 cm −3 for the as-deposited thin films. As a result, the high optical transparency accompanied with tuned electrical property of NTO thin films fabricated by ALD at low temperature paves the way for their integration into temperature-sensitive, nanostructured optoelectrical devices
Effect of Chlorine Inclusion in Wide Band Gap FAPbBr 3 Perovskites
No full textInternational audienceAbstract Wide bandgap perovskites have recently gained attention owing to their physical properties, versatility, and potential in various optoelectronic devices including LEDs, detectors, and building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). However, BIPV materials must meet conflicting requirements, necessitating high performance, high transparency in the visible spectrum and color neutrality. This study investigates the controlled addition of chlorine in FAPb(Br 1‐x Cl x ) 3 perovskites to achieve band gaps exceeding 2.4 eV. Increasing chlorine content from x Cl = 0.00 to x Cl = 0.25 widens the band gap from 2.37 to 2.52 eV, effectively improving the visible light transparency. Advanced characterization techniques including X‐ray diffraction, synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence imaging, and fast transient absorption spectroscopy, complemented by density functional theory, reveal insights into absorption properties, electronic structure, and ultrafast recombination dynamics as a function of the thin film chemical composition. Furthermore, this study evaluates energetic disorder, carrier recombination rates, and non‐radiative losses for different compositions by extracting quantitative parameters such as Urbach energy and quasi‐Fermi level splitting, offering novel insights and guidelines for the design and optimization of emerging photovoltaic (PV) materials. Optimal PV performance metrics are achieved with a wide bandgap bromine perovskite containing 14% chlorine, striking a balance between morphology, transparency, and voltage losses
Electrochemical analysis of carbon steel embedded in mortars with pretreated copper tailings as supplementary cementitious material
No full textInternational audienceThe cement industry, responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, necessitates developing sustainable materials to replace cement partially. This investigation examined the feasibility of using copper tailings, a byproduct of mining, as alternative materials for cement within mortars and reinforced mortars (0-15 wt%). The microstructural composition of the tailings was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion resistance of mortars reinforced with copper tailings was elucidated through opencircuit potential measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that incorporating 5 and 10 wt% of sieved copper tailings improved the mechanical strength and significantly enhanced the electrochemical stability, as indicated by more noble open-circuit potential values. Specifically, the sieved tailings played a crucial role in forming a more stable oxide film, which was confirmed by higher impedance values, suggesting a reduced corrosion rate. In contrast, mortars with 5 wt% of milled tailings exhibited properties like those of the control group. This electrochemical understanding highlights the potential of processed copper tailings in mitigating the environmental impact of cement production and enhancing the durability of cementitious composite
Mastering the synthesis of high Na-content, moisture-stable layered oxide cathode for Na-ion batteries
No full textInternational audienceSodium layered oxides NaxMO2 (x ≤ 1 and M = transition metal) are of great interest for sodium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and cost-effectiveness. However, these materials, whether they are stoichiometric (Na/M 1 as in O3 NaMO2) or not (Na/M 0.7 as in P3/P2 NaxMO2), have certain disadvantages, namely sensitivity to humidity or inadequate capacity, respectively. Herein, we propose an intermediate composition Na0.85Ni0.38Zn0.04Mn0.48Ti0.1O2 that we succeed to stabilize in either O3 or a nanoscale mixture of O3-P3 or O3-P2 phases as proven by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, through complex synthesis approaches including quenching, slow cooling and annealing in different atmospheres (Ar, air, O2 etc). We rationalize the stabilization of different phases and microstructure as a function of synthesis conditions and show how it influences the electrochemical performance. Through this study we identified a single phase O3 Na0.85Ni0.38Zn0.04Mn0.48Ti0.1O2 synthesized at 1000 °C in air, which exhibits a high capacity of ~170 mAh/g and good moisture stability. Furthermore, thanks to the synthesis- structure- electrochemical performance relationship identified here, we believe that this study will provide a reliable basis for optimizing the synthesis for best performing sodium layered oxides for commercialization
A solely-Fe-catalyzed Sonogashira-type coupling of nonactivated secondary alkyl iodides with terminal alkynes
No full textInternational audienceAn iron-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling of non-activated secondary alkyl iodides with terminal alkynes is described. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions in N-MethylPyrrolidone without auxiliary ligand or co-catalyst. This procedure allowed the obtention of 28 coupling products. Moreover, slow addition of LiHMDS base allows to achieve up to 89% yields. This method enables the conversion of nonactivated alkyl iodides in a Fe-catalyzed Sonogashiratype cross-coupling, which was so far not achievable with iron catalysts. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest the implication of a key single electron transfer in the catalytic process