Atomic-Scale Structure of Biogenic Materials by Total X-ray Diffraction: A Study of Bacterial and Fungal MnOx

Abstract
Biogenic materials are produced by microorganisms and are typically found in a nanophase state. As such, they are difficult to characterize structurally. In this report, we demonstrate how high-energy X-ray diffraction and atomic pair distribution function analysis can be used to determine the atomic-scale structures of MnOx produced by bacteria and fungi. These structures are well-defined, periodic, and species-specific, built of Mn-O-6 octahedra forming birnessite-type layers and todorokite-type tunnels, respectively. The inherent structural diversity of biogenic material may offer opportunities for practical applications.
Description
Keywords
biogenic materials, structure determination, X-ray diffraction, manganese oxides, MANGANESE OXIDES, NANOCRYSTALS, MINERALS, PROGRAM
Citation