Engineering topics

Lee, Tom

Publications and source records attributed to Lee, Tom.

5 records

DOE OSTI2023

Compositionally complex perovskite oxides: Discovering a new class of solid electrolytes with interface-enabled conductivity improvements

Compositionally complex ceramics (CCCs), including high-entropy ceramics, offer a vast, unexplored compositional space for materials discovery. Herein, we propose and demonstrate strategies for tailoring CCCs via a combination of non-equimolar compositional designs and control of grain boundaries (GBs) and microstructures. Using oxide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries as an example, we have discovered a class of compositionally complex perovskite oxides (CCPOs) with improved lithium ionic conductivities beyond the limit of conventional doping. For example, we demonstrate that the ionic conductivity can be improved by >60% in (Li 0.375 Sr 0.4375 )(Ta 0.375 Nb 0.375 Zr 0.125 Hf 0.125 )O 3-δ compared with the (Li 0.375 Sr 0.4375 )(Ta 0.75 Zr 0.25 )O 3-δ (LSTZ) baseline. Furthermore, the ionic conductivity can be improved by another >70% via quenching, achieving >270% of the LSTZ. Notably, we demonstrate GB-enabled conductivity improvements via both promoting grain growth and altering GB structures through compositional designs and processing. In a broader perspective, this work suggests new routes for discovering and tailoring CCCs for energy storage and many other applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Atomic-scale origin of the low grain-boundary resistance in perovskite solid electrolyte Li 0.375 Sr 0.4375 Ta 0.75 Zr 0.25 O 3

Oxide solid electrolytes (OSEs) have the potential to achieve improved safety and energy density for lithium-ion batteries, but their high grain-boundary (GB) resistance generally is a bottleneck. In the well-studied perovskite oxide solid electrolyte, Li 3x La 2/3-x TiO 3 (LLTO), the ionic conductivity of grain boundaries is about three orders of magnitude lower than that of the bulk. In contrast, the related Li 0.375 Sr 0.4375 Ta 0.75 Zr 0.25 O 3 (LSTZ0.75) perovskite exhibits low grain boundary resistance for reasons yet unknown. Here, we use aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy, along with an active learning moment tensor potential, to reveal the atomic scale structure and composition of LSTZ0.75 grain boundaries. Vibrational electron energy loss spectroscopy is applied for the first time to reveal atomically resolved vibrations at grain boundaries of LSTZ0.75 and to characterize the otherwise unmeasurable Li distribution therein. We find that Li depletion, which is a major reason for the low grain boundary ionic conductivity of LLTO, is absent for the grain boundaries of LSTZ0.75. Instead, the low grain boundary resistivity of LSTZ0.75 is attributed to the formation of a nanoscale defective cubic perovskite interfacial structure that contained abundant vacancies. Our study provides new insights into the atomic scale mechanisms of low grain boundary resistivity.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2016

Initiated chemical vapor deposition polymers for high peak-power laser targets

Here, we report two examples of initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) polymers being developed for use in laser targets for high peak-power laser systems. First, we show that iCVD poly(divinylbenzene) is more photo-oxidatively stable than the plasma polymers currently used in laser targets. Thick layers (10–12 μm) of this highly crosslinked polymer can be deposited with near-zero intrinsic film stress. Second, we show that iCVD epoxy polymers can be crosslinked after deposition to form thin adhesive layers for assembling precision laser targets. The bondlines can be made as thin as ~ 1 μm, approximately a factor of 2 thinner than achievable using viscous resin-based adhesives. These bonds can withstand downstream coining and stamping processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2016

Initiated chemical vapor deposited nanoadhesive for bonding National Ignition Facility's targets

Currently, the target fabrication scientists in National Ignition Facility Directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is studying the propagation force resulted from laser impulses impacting a target. To best study this, they would like the adhesive used to glue the target substrates to be as thin as possible. The main objective of this research project is to create adhesive glue bonds for NIF’s targets that are ≤ 1 μm thick. Polyglycidylmethacrylate (PGMA) thin films were coated on various substrates using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). Film quality studies using white light interferometry reveal that the iCVD PGMA films were smooth. The coated substrates were bonded at 150 °C under vacuum, with low inflow of Nitrogen. Success in bonding most of NIF’s mock targets at thicknesses ≤ 1 μm indicates that our process is feasible in bonding the real targets. Key parameters that are required for successful bonding were concluded from the bonding results. They include inert bonding atmosphere, sufficient contact between the PGMA films, and smooth substrates. Average bond strength of 0.60 MPa was obtained from mechanical shearing tests. The bonding failure mode of the sheared interfaces was observed to be cohesive. Future work on this project will include reattempt to bond silica aerogel to iCVD PGMA coated substrates, stabilize carbon nanotube forests with iCVD PGMA coating, and kinetics study of PGMA thermal crosslinking.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1987

A Computer System for Mission Managers

Mission Managers' Workstation (MMW) is personal-computer-based system providing data management and reporting functions to assist Space Shuttle mission managers. Allows to relate events and stored data in timely and organized fashion. Using MMW, standard reports formatted, generated, edited, and electronically communicated with minimum clerical help. Written in PASCAL, BASIC, and assembler.

Tolchin, Robert↗