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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12

Magnetocaloric effect in the vicinity of the magnetic phase transition in NdCo 2–x Fe x compounds

In the present paper, the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of NdCo 2-x Fe x (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) compounds was investigated by magnetization measurements. Here, the temperature-dependent high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction study shows a magnetostructural transition from the paramagnetic cubic phase to the ferromagnetic tetragonal phase below their Curie temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows the absence of thermal hysteresis, indicating the second-order nature of the magnetostructural phase transition in these compounds. The maximum values of magnetic entropy change (ΔS M ) and wide operating temperature (OT) are obtained under a field change of 5 T, which are 7.33 Jkg -1 K -1 , 6.45 Jkg -1 K -1 , 5.71 Jkg -1 K -1 , 4.70 Jkg -1 K -1 and 78 K, 82 K, 85 K, 92 K for x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6, respectively. The corresponding values of relative cooling power (RCP) are 529.96 Jkg -1 , 497.25 Jkg -1 , 470.55 Jkg -1 , and 428.31 Jkg -1 . The observed wide OT range and large RCP values are comparable with Gd, Gd 5 Ge 2 Si 2 , and some rare-earth-based giant magnetocaloric materials, making this series of compounds suitable for magnetic refrigeration.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Unexpected character of the heavy-ion fusion excitation function and the compound channel effect

An unexpected overlapping behavior has been observed for fusion excitation functions σ(E) from different entrance channels that fuse to the same compound nucleus in energies above the barrier. Here, the overlap appears when the center of mass energy of each excitation function is multiplied by a constant scaling factor. The scaling factors are determined by adjusting and are nearby the ratios of corresponding Coulomb barriers of each entrance channel. Moreover, the corresponding d(σE)/dE spectra also overlap well in this energy range, including their fine structures. The reasoning behind these behaviors are unknown. One possibility is the compound-channel effect, since the overlap behavior does not occur between collision systems leading to different compound nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Compound-Nucleus and Doorway-State Decays of β -Delayed Neutron Emitters K 51 , 52 , 53

We investigated decays of K 51 , 52 , 53 at the ISOLDE Decay Station at CERN in order to understand the mechanism of the β -delayed neutron-emission ( β n ) process. The experiment quantified neutron and γ -ray emission paths for each precursor. We used this information to test the hypothesis, first formulated by Bohr in 1939, that neutrons in the β n process originate from the structureless “compound nucleus.” The data are consistent with this postulate for most of the observed decay paths. The agreement, however, is surprising because the compound-nucleus stage should not be achieved in the studied β decay due to insufficient excitation energy and level densities in the neutron emitter. In the K 53 β n decay, we found a preferential population of the first excited state in Ca 52 that contradicted Bohr’s hypothesis. The latter was interpreted as evidence for direct neutron emission sensitive to the structure of the neutron-unbound state. We propose that the observed nonstatistical neutron emission proceeds through the coupling with nearby doorway states that have large neutron-emission probabilities. The appearance of “compound-nucleus” decay is caused by the aggregated small contributions of multiple doorway states at higher excitation energy. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Machine learning study of magnetism in uranium-based compounds

Actinide and lanthanide-based materials display exotic properties that originate from the presence of itinerant or localized f electrons and include unconventional superconductivity and magnetism, hidden order, and heavy-fermion behavior. Due to the strongly correlated nature of the 5f electrons, magnetic properties of these compounds depend sensitively on applied magnetic field and pressure, as well as on chemical doping. However, precise connection between the structure and magnetism in actinide-based materials is currently unclear. In this investigation, we established such structure-property links by assembling and mining two datasets that aggregate, respectively, the results of high-throughput density functional theory simulations and experimental measurements for the families of uranium- and neptunium-based binary compounds. Various regression algorithms were utilized to identify correlations among accessible attributes (features or descriptors) of the material systems and predict their cation magnetic moments and general forms of magnetic ordering. Descriptors representing compound structural parameters and cation f-subshell occupation numbers were identified as most important for accurate predictions. The best machine learning model developed employs the random forest regression algorithm. It can predict both spin and orbit moment size with root-mean-square error of 0.17 μ B and 0.19 μ B , respectively. Lastly, the random forest classification algorithm is used to predict the ordering (paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, and antiferromagnetic) of such systems with 76% accuracy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Computational prediction of ferromagnetic 𝐴⁢𝑇 6 ⁢𝑋 6 kagome compounds

We present a systematic high-throughput density-functional-theory investigation of the structural and magnetic stability of 312 substitutional compounds in the magnetic kagome 𝐴⁢𝑇 6⁢ 𝑋 6 family. Our screening confirms the stability of many previously reported structures and predicts several additional stable candidates. Within collinear spin configurations, we find that Fe-based systems predominantly adopt antiferromagnetic ground states, whereas Mn-based analogs exhibit a more balanced distribution between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic order. For compounds exhibiting several nearly degenerate collinear configurations, we analyze the nature of their magnetic ground states, assess the possible emergence of noncollinear order, and discuss the limitations and uncertainties inherent to standard density-functional approaches. Our electronic structure analysis further reveals that predicted ferromagnetic kagome systems display characteristic features of topological metals, with rich magnetic configurations that can be tuned by chemical substitution. Altogether, these ferromagnetic kagome compounds constitute a broad and still largely unexplored materials platform for the emergence of exciting magnetotransport phenomena.

Density functional calculations↗

Multiplication of Freestanding Compound Semiconductor Membranes from a Single Wafer by Alternating Growth with 2D Materials

Single-crystal compound semiconductors, such as III-N and III-V, are important building blocks for functional devices due to their high electron mobilities, wide range of bandgaps, and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, current methods to produce their freestanding membranes for heterointegration suffer from slow processes or poor material quality. Here, we demonstrate an approach to grow and harvest multiple wafer-scale single-crystal membranes with high throughput by introducing weak van der Waals interfaces between epitaxial layers. This is achieved by directly growing two-dimensional (2D) materials on compound semiconductors in their native deposition systems, which enables alternating growth of 2D material and compound semiconductor epitaxial layers in a single run. Each epilayer in the multi-stack structure is then sequentially harvested by mechanical exfoliation, producing multiple freestanding single-crystal membranes with extremely high throughput from a single wafer, primed for integration in mixed-dimensional heterostructures.

Han, Ne Myo↗

Multiplication of Freestanding Compound Semiconductor Membranes from a Single Wafer by Alternating Growth with 2D Materials

Single-crystal compound semiconductors, such as III-N and III-V, are important building blocks for functional devices due to their high electron mobilities, wide range of bandgaps, and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, current methods to produce their freestanding membranes for heterointegration suffer from slow processes or poor material quality. Here, we demonstrate an approach to grow and harvest multiple wafer-scale single-crystal membranes with high throughput by introducing weak van der Waals interfaces between epitaxial layers. This is achieved by directly growing two-dimensional (2D) materials on compound semiconductors in their native deposition systems, which enables alternating growth of 2D material and compound semiconductor epitaxial layers in a single run. Each epilayer in the multi-stack structure is then sequentially harvested by mechanical exfoliation, producing multiple freestanding single-crystal membranes with extremely high throughput from a single wafer, primed for integration in mixed-dimensional heterostructures.

Han, Ne Myo↗

Improved Methods for Modeling Functional Transition Metal Compounds in Complex Environments: Ground States, Excited States, and Spectroscopies

Rapid advances in energy applications require new theory and computational models to provide guidance for interpretation of experimental results and mechanistic understanding. New theory development is necessary to treat systems of increasing complexity, size, and relevance to real applications. Functional transition metal compounds, including molecules, clusters, nanoparticles, surfaces, and solids, provide particular promise for magnetic, optical, and catalytic applications. However, such systems can be exceptionally challenging to model. To make progress in understanding and designing transition metal compounds for energy applications, theory must be able to simulate such systems in complex environments, as well as simulate the spectra of such complex systems to provide direct connections with experiment. Leveraging the independent expertise of the team’s members, this project aimed to make inroads to the theoretical and computational challenges associated with studying transition metal compounds, their reaction chemistry, photophysics and photochemistry, and response to spectroscopic interrogation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Formation of Organic Compounds Through Meteoritic Atmospheric Shock

This document is a Final Technical Report for DoE award DE-SC0023375 “Formation of Organic Compounds Through Meteoritic Atmospheric Shock”. The document includes a summary of topics studied, specific tasks completed, challenges, and results from the project. The main goal of this project was to investigate the production of organic molecules and/or complex inorganic precursor molecules in a plasma environment reminiscent of the environment surrounding meteoroids during atmospheric entries. The specific hypothesis tested in this project was that meteoroid ablation during the entry and the chemical reactions in the meteoroid plasma tail could have produced significant amounts of organics or precursor inorganics in the Early Earth’s atmosphere. Investigation of these processes is essential in understanding the origins of life on Earth and the search for life beyond our planet. This project was focused on a set of experiments conducted at the Utilizing the DIII-D tokamak in San Diego, CA. The experiments aimed to study the interaction of carbonaceous and silica materials (typically found in meteoroids) with mixtures of hot plasma gases (mimicking atmospheric entry conditions. The material samples and gas mixtures were selected to investigate the synthesis of the organic compound urea – a key ingredient in the origin of life – or one of its precursor, the complex inorganic compound ammonia.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A non-traditional crystal-based compound screening method targeting the ATP binding site of Plasmodium falciparum GRP78 for identification of novel nucleoside analogues

Drug resistance to front-line malarial treatments represents an ongoing threat to control malaria, a vector borne infectious disease. The malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum has developed genetic variants, conferring resistance to the current standard therapeutic artemisinin and its derivatives commonly referred to as artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs). Emergence of multi-drug resistance parasite genotypes is a warning of potential treatment failure, reaffirming the urgent and critical need to find and validate alternate drug targets to prevent the spread of disease. An attractive and novel drug target includes glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78, or BiP), an essential molecular chaperone protein involved in the unfolded protein response that is upregulated in ACT treated P. falciparum parasites. We have shown that both sequence and structure are closely related to human GRP78 (hGRP78), a chaperone belonging to the HSP70 class of ATPase proteins, which is often upregulated in cellular stress responses and cancer. By screening a library of nucleoside analogues, we identified eight ‘hit’ compounds binding at the active site of the ATP binding domain of P. falciparum GRP78 using a high-throughput ligand soaking screen using x-ray crystallography. These compounds were further evaluated using protein thermal shift assays to assess target binding activity. The nucleoside analogues identified from our screen provide a starting point for the development of more potent and selective antimalarial inhibitors. In addition, we have established a well-defined, high-throughput crystal-based screening approach that can be applied to many crystallizable P. falciparum proteins for generating anti-Plasmodium specific compounds.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Wounding rapidly alters transcription factor expression, hormonal signaling, and phenolic compound metabolism in harvested sugarbeet roots

Injuries sustained by sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) roots during harvest and postharvest operations seriously reduce the yield of white sugar produced from stored roots. Although wound healing is critically important to reduce losses, knowledge of these processes is limited for this crop as well as for roots in other species. To better understand the metabolic signals and changes that occur in wounded roots, dynamic changes in gene expression were determined by RNA sequencing and the activity of products from key genes identified in this analysis were determined in the 0.25 to 24 h following injury. Nearly five thousand differentially expressed genes that contribute to a wide range of cellular and molecular functions were identified in wounded roots. Highly upregulated genes included transcription factor genes, as well as genes involved in ethylene and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling and phenolic compound biosynthesis and polymerization. Enzyme activities for key genes in ethylene and phenolic compound biosynthesis and polymerization also increased due to wounding. Results indicate that wounding causes a major reallocation of metabolism in sugarbeet taproots. Although both ethylene and JA are likely involved in triggering wound responses, the greater and more sustained upregulation of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling genes relative to those of JA, suggest a preeminence of ethylene signaling in wounded sugarbeet roots. Changes in gene expression and enzymes involved in phenolic compound metabolism additionally indicate that barriers synthesized to seal off wounds, such as suberin or lignin, are initiated within the first 24 h after injury.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Thermodynamics and Magnetism of SmFe12 Compound Doped with Co and Ni: An Ab Initio Study

Ni-doped Sm(Fe1−xCox)12 alloys are investigated for their magnetic properties. The Sm(Fe,Co)11M1 compound (M acts as a stabilizer) with the smallest (7.7 at.%) rare-earth-metal content has been recognized as a possible contender for highly efficient permanent magnets thanks to its significant anisotropy field and Curie temperature. The early transition metals (Ti-Mn) as well as Al, Si, and Ga stabilize the SmFe12 compound but significantly decrease its saturation magnetization. To keep the saturation magnetization in the range of 1.4–1.6 T, we suggest replacing a certain amount of Fe and Co in the Sm(Fe1−xCox)12 alloys with Ni. Ni plays the role of a thermodynamic stabilizer, and contrary to the above-listed elements, has the spin moment aligned parallel to the spin moment of the SmFe12 compound, thereby boosting its saturation magnetization without affecting the anisotropy field or Curie temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Advances on Bacterial and Fungal Biofilms for the Production of Added-Value Compounds

In recent years, abundant research has been performed on biofilms for the production of compounds with biotechnological and industrial relevance. The use of biofilm platforms has been seen as a compelling approach to producing fine and bulk chemicals such as organic acids, alcohols, and solvents. However, the production of recombinant proteins using this system is still scarce. Biofilm reactors are known to have higher biomass density, operational stability, and potential for long-term operation than suspended cell reactors. In addition, there is an increasing demand to harness industrial and agricultural wastes and biorefinery residues to improve process sustainability and reduce production costs. The synthesis of recombinant proteins and other high-value compounds is mainly achieved using suspended cultures of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. This review discusses the use of biofilm reactors for the production of recombinant proteins and other added-value compounds using bacteria and fungi.

Carvalho, Fábio M.↗

Chemical Vapor Deposition of Zirconium Compounds: A Review

Coatings of zirconium compounds are used in a wide variety of fields, yet an understanding and descriptions of deposition mechanisms are scant in the public literature. The mechanisms of deposition for metallic zirconium, ZrC, ZrN, ZrO 2 , ZrB 2 , and zirconium silicides are discussed based on the direct vapor deposition research of those compounds where possible or compared to complementary titanium systems when direct research is lacking. Both inorganic and organometallic deposition systems are discussed. As a class of compounds, an understanding of the vapor deposition mechanisms can be significantly improved by investigations on metallic zirconium deposition by zirconium halides and hydrogen and by in situ analysis techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy or x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

organometallic↗

A Process Intensification Approach for CO 2 Absorption Using Amino Acid Solutions and a Guanidine Compound

Environmentally friendly amino-acid salt solutions are used for the absorption of carbon dioxide from concentrated flue-gas streams via chemical absorption. Process intensification reduces operating and capital costs by combining chemical reactions and separation operations. Here, we present a new process-intensification approach that combines the CO 2 capture and the amino-acid regeneration steps into a single process carried out in a slurry three-phase reactor. The absorbed CO 2 precipitates as a solid carbonated guanidine compound. The cycle is completed by separation of the solid precipitate to strip the CO 2 and regenerate the guanidine compound, while the liquid solution is recycled to the slurry reactor. The process was studied by modifying a model developed by the authors for a gas-liquid bubble column without the presence of the guanidine compound. The guanidine precipitation reaction was accounted for using kinetic parameters calculated by the authors in another study. The proposed model was implemented by modifying an existing computer code used for the simulation of gas-liquid bubble columns. The calculated results showed that the proposed cycle can significantly reduce energy, equipment, and operating costs and can make an important contribution to developing a competitive cost-effective large-scale process for CO 2 capture.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Detection of Polar Compounds Condensed on Particulate Matter Using Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry

A new analytical method to aid in the understanding of the organic carbon (OC) phase of particulate matter (PM) from advanced compression ignition (ACI) operating modes, is presented. The presence of NO2 and unburned fuel aromatics in ACI emissions, and the low exhaust temperatures that result from this low temperature combustion strategy, provide the right conditions for the formation of carboxylic acids and nitroaromatic compounds. These polar compounds contribute to OC in the PM and are not typically measured using nonpolar solvent extraction methods such as the soluble organic fraction (SOF) method. The new extraction and detection method employs capillary electrophoresis with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (CE-ESI MS) and was specifically developed to determine polar organic compounds in the ACI PM emissions. The new method identified both nitrophenols and aromatic carboxylic acids in the ACI PM. The ACI air-fuel stratification mode and NOx emissions were found to correlate with the presence and amount of the individual polar species identified.

Lewis Sr, Samuel↗

Measurement report: Extreme heat and wildfire emissions enhance volatile organic compounds in a temperate forest

Climate extremes are projected to cause unprecedented deviations in the emission and transformation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which trigger feedback mechanisms that will impact the atmospheric oxidation and formation of aerosols and clouds. However, the response of VOCs to future conditions such as extreme heat and wildfire events is still uncertain. This study explored the modification of the mixing ratio and distribution of several anthropogenic and biogenic VOCs in a temperate oak–hickory–juniper forest as a response to increased temperature and transported biomass burning plumes. A chemical ionization mass spectrometer was deployed on a tower at a height of 32 m in rural central Missouri, United States, for the continuous and in situ measurement of VOCs from June to August of 2023. The maximum observed temperature in the region was 38 °C, and during multiple episodes the temperature remained above 32 °C for several hours. Biogenic VOCs such as isoprene and monoterpene followed closely the temperature daily profile but at varying rates, whereas anthropogenic VOCs were insensitive to elevated temperature. During the measurement period, wildfire emissions were transported to the site and substantially increased the mixing ratios of acetonitrile and benzene, which are produced from burning of biomass. An in-depth analysis of the mass spectra revealed more than 250 minor compounds, such as formamide and methylglyoxal. Extreme heat and presence of wildfire plumes modified the overall volatility, reactivity, O : C, and H : C ratios of the extended list of VOCs. The calculated OH reactivities during extreme temperature condition and transport of biomass burning plumes were 106.37±4.27 and 106.22±5.15 s −1 , respectively, which are substantially higher than background level of 98.78±1.16 s −1 . Multivariate analysis also clustered the compounds into five factors, which highlighted the sources of the unaccounted-for VOCs. Ultimately, results here underscore the effect of extreme heat and wildfire emissions on the overall chemical properties VOC in a temperate forest.

Salvador, Christian Mark [Oak Ridge National Labor↗

Lipophilic guanidinium compounds for removal of oxyanions from aqueous solutions

Methods for removing an oxyanion from an aqueous source containing said oxyanion, comprising contacting said aqueous source with an aqueous-insoluble hydrophobic solution containing an oxyanion extractant compound dissolved in an aqueous-insoluble hydrophobic solvent to result in formation of an oxyanion salt of said extractant compound and extraction of said oxyanion salt into said aqueous-insoluble hydrophobic solution, wherein said extraction results in an extraction affinity (D) of said oxyanion of at least 1, wherein D is the concentration ratio of said oxyanion in the organic phase divided by the concentration of said oxyanion in the aqueous phase; wherein said extractant compound has the following composition: wherein at least one of R1-R10 is or contains a hydrocarbon (R) group containing at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 carbon atoms.

Williams, Neil John↗