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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of Ti seed layers on structure of self-organized epitaxial face-centered-cubic-Ag(001) oriented nanodots

The influence of Ti seed layers on the structure of self-organized Ag nanodots, obtained with a Ti seed-layer-assisted thermal agglomeration method, has been investigated. The samples were grown on MgO(001) single crystal substrates by RF magnetron sputter deposition. The samples were deposited at room temperature and post-annealed at 350 °C for 4 h while maintaining the chamber vacuum conditions. The results of atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations indicated that the insertion of the Ti seed layer (0.6–5.0 nm) between the MgO substrate and Ag layer promotes the agglomeration process, forming the nanodot array. Comparisons between the AFM images revealed that the size of the Ag nanodots was increased with an increase in the Ti seed layer thickness. The atomic concentration of the film surface was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS result suggested that the nanodot surface mainly consisted of Ag. Moreover, X-ray diffraction results proved that the initial deposition of the Ti seed layer (0.6–5.0 nm) onto MgO(001) prior to the Ag deposition yielded high-quality fcc-Ag(001) oriented epitaxial nanodots. The optical absorbance spectra of the fabricated Ag nanodots with various Ti seed layer thicknesses were obtained in the visible light range.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Tailorable multifunctionalities in ultrathin 2D Bi-based layered supercell structures

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with robust ferromagnetic behavior have attracted great interest because of their potential applications in next-generation nanoelectronic devices. Aside from graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, Bi-based layered oxide materials are a group of prospective candidates due to their superior room-temperature multiferroic response. In this work, an ultrathin Bi 3 Fe 2 Mn 2 O 10+δ layered supercell (BFMO322 LS) structure was deposited on an LaAlO 3 (LAO) (001) substrate using pulsed laser deposition. Microstructural analysis suggests that a layered supercell (LS) structure consisting of two-layer-thick Bi–O slabs and two-layer-thick Mn/Fe–O octahedra slabs was formed on top of the pseudo-perovskite interlayer (IL). A robust saturation magnetization value of 129 and 96 emu cm -3 is achieved in a 12.3 nm thick film in the in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OP) directions, respectively. The ferromagnetism, dielectric permittivity, and optical bandgap of the ultrathin BFMO films can be effectively tuned by thickness and morphology variation. In addition, the anisotropy of all ultrathin BFMO films switches from OP dominating to IP dominating as the thickness increases. This study demonstrates the ultrathin BFMO film with tunable multifunctionalities as a promising candidate for novel integrated spintronic devices.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

The simulation on absorption properties of metamaterial/GaAs/electrode layer hybrid structure based Terahertz photoconductive detector

Terahertz (THz) photodetectors have attracted great attention from scientists worldwide for their application in security checking, biomedical treatment and astronomical observation of remote stars and distant galaxies. As a typical THz detector, extrinsic GaAs based photoconductive detector is facing critical technical bottlenecks in the epitaxial growth of sufficiently thick and high-quality GaAs absorption layer. In this work, a novel THz photoconductive detector based on metamaterial/GaAs/electrode layer hybrid structure was designed and simulated. By setting the periodic split ring resonator (SRR) structure as 88 μm pitch with 8 μm width, the absorption peaks exist at the wavelength of about 142 and 367 μm, which originate from the resonant cavity and the SRR dipole resonance effect, and the novel device shows a significant enhancement compared with the conventional GaAs photoconductive detector. Thus, the necessary thickness of GaAs absorption-layer is largely reduced, and the resonant absorption peak can be modulated by changing the thickness of absorption layer. This work provides a novel device structure which can solve the critical epitaxial growth bottleneck of GaAs photoconductive detector and used for the astronomical observation, security check, etc.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2017

Syntheses, structures, photoluminescence and photocatalysis of 2D layered lanthanide-carboxylates with 2, 2′-dithiodibenzoic acid

Two series of lanthanide-carboxylates, [Ln(2,2′-dtba)(2,2′-Hdtba)(EtOH)]{sub n} (I:Ln=Eu(1a), Dy(1b)) and [Ln(2,2′-dtba)(2,2′-Hdtba)(4,4′-bpy){sub 0.5}]{sub n} (II:Ln=Eu(2a), Dy(2b), Tb(2c) 2,2′-H{sub 2}dtba=2,2′-dithiodibenzoic acid, 4,4′-bpy=4,4′-bipyridine) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Interestingly, the H{sub 2}dtba organic ligand was generated by in situ S–S reaction of 2-mercaptobenzoic acid. Compounds I and II possess different 2D layered structures based on similar 1D [Ln(2,2′-dtba)]{sup +} chains. Photoluminescence studies reveal that compounds I and II exhibit strong lanthanide characteristic emission bands. Remarkably, Compounds 1b and 2a both exhibit good photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) under the simulated sunlight irradiation. - Graphical abstract: Two series of lanthanide-carboxylates have been in situ synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The lanthanide-carboxylates exhibit strong lanthanide characteristic emission bands and good photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine-B. - Highlights: • 2D layered lanthanide-carboxylates with 2,2′-dithiodibenzoic acid. • In situ S–S reaction of 2-mercaptobenzoic acid under hydrothermal condition. • The Emission spectra of I and II exhibit the characteristic transition of lanthanide ions. • Compounds 1b and 2a exhibit good photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine-B.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Patterns of gravity induced aggregate migration during casting of fluid concretes

In this paper, aggregate migration patterns during fluid concrete castings are studied through experiments, dimensionless approach and numerical modeling. The experimental results obtained on two beams show that gravity induced migration is primarily affecting the coarsest aggregates resulting in a decrease of coarse aggregates volume fraction with the horizontal distance from the pouring point and in a puzzling vertical multi-layer structure. The origin of this multi layer structure is discussed and analyzed with the help of numerical simulations of free surface flow. Our results suggest that it finds its origin in the non Newtonian nature of fresh concrete and that increasing casting rate shall decrease the magnitude of gravity induced particle migration.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

pH-Driven Restructuring of Hydration Layers and Cation Ad-sorption at the Alumina-Water Interface

Oxide-water interfaces underpin ion separation, catalysis, and electrochemical energy technologies, where the electrical double layer (EDL) controls adsorption, transport, and reactivity. Yet, the molecular-scale link between pH-dependent surface protonation, hydration-layer structure, and counter-ion adsorption remains poorly defined. Here, we combine in situ crystal truncation rod (CTR) and resonant anomalous X-ray reflectivity (RAXR) with streaming potential measurements and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to resolve the chemical and structural evolution of the EDL at the single-crystal alumina (012)-water interface in 10 mM Rb+ over pH 3-12. CTR measurements reveal two distinct adsorbed water layers at ~2.2 and ~3.5 Å above the surface that each shift toward the substrate at transition pHs near 6.5 and 10.6, respectively, directly reflecting changes in primary hydration layer structure in response to the deprotonation of bridging and terminal aluminol groups. RAXR shows a 10-fold increase in Rb+ coverage and a decrease in mean adsorption height from ~3.5 to ~2.7 Å with increasing pH, indicating enhanced counter-ion binding accompanied by Stern layer contraction. Streaming potential measurements demonstrate that the zeta potential, i.e., potential at the hydrodynamic shear plane, is positive at pH 3 and becomes negative at pH ≥3.5. This negative charge magnitude increases with increasing pH, consistent with progressive surface deprotonation at higher pH. AIMD identifies inner- and outer-sphere Rb+ complexes whose adsorption heights and coordination geometries depend sensitively on the protonation state of surface oxygens, providing atomistic support for the experimentally inferred trends. These measurements establish two discrete, site-specific pH transitions in hydration-layer structure that track aluminol (de)protonation and quantitatively link them to a pH-driven contraction of the Stern layer (increasing Rb+ coverage and decreasing adsorption height). This provides a direct structural basis for connecting surface acid-base chemistry to ion binding distances at an oxide-water interface.

Electrical double layer (EDL), Surface protonation↗
DOE OSTI2026

pH-Driven Restructuring of Hydration Layers and Cation Adsorption at the Alumina–Water Interface

Oxide−water interfaces underpin ion separations, catalysis, and electrochemical energy technologies, where the electrical double layer (EDL) controls adsorption, transport, and reactivity. However, the molecular-scale links between pHdependent surface protonation, hydration-layer structure, and counterion adsorption remain poorly defined. Here, we combine in situ crystal truncation rod (CTR) and resonant anomalous X-ray reflectivity (RAXR) with streaming potential measurements and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to resolve the chemical and structural evolution of the EDL at the single-crystal alumina (012)−water interface in 10 mM Rb + over pH 3−12. CTR measurements reveal two distinct adsorbed water layers at ∼2.2 and ∼3.5 Å above the surface. Each water layer shifts toward the substrate at transition pHs near 6.5 and 10.6, respectively, reflecting changes in primary hydration layer structure in response to the deprotonation of bridging and terminal aluminol groups. RAXR shows a 10-fold increase in Rb + coverage and a decrease in mean adsorption height from ∼3.5 to ∼2.7 Å with increasing pH, indicating enhanced counterion binding accompanied by Stern layer contraction. Streaming potential measurements demonstrate that the zeta potential, i.e., the potential at the hydrodynamic shear plane, is positive at pH 3 and becomes negative at pH ≥ 3.5. The negative charge magnitude increases with increasing pH, consistent with progressive surface deprotonation at higher pH. AIMD identifies inner- and outer-sphere Rb+ complexes whose adsorption heights and coordination geometries depend sensitively on the protonation state of surface oxygens, providing atomistic support for the experimentally inferred trends. These measurements establish two discrete, site-specific pH transitions in hydration-layer structure that track aluminol (de)protonation and quantitatively link them to a pH-driven contraction of the Stern layer (increasing Rb + coverage and decreasing adsorption height). This provides a direct structural basis for connecting surface acid−base chemistry to ion binding distances at an oxide−water interface.

Adsorption↗
DOE OSTI2015

Graphene device and method of using graphene device

An embodiment of a graphene device includes a layered structure, first and second electrodes, and a dopant island. The layered structure includes a conductive layer, an insulating layer, and a graphene layer. The electrodes are coupled to the graphene layer. The dopant island is coupled to an exposed surface of the graphene layer between the electrodes. An embodiment of a method of using a graphene device includes providing the graphene device. A voltage is applied to the conductive layer of the graphene device. Another embodiment of a method of using a graphene device includes providing the graphene device without the dopant island. A dopant island is placed on an exposed surface of the graphene layer between the electrodes. A voltage is applied to the conductive layer of the graphene device. A response of the dopant island to the voltage is observed.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis, structure, and spectroscopic characterization of three uranyl phosphates with unique structural units

Single crystals of Zn{sub 4}(OH){sub 2}[(UO{sub 2})(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(OH){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O)] (UZnP), Cs[(UO{sub 2})(HPO{sub 4})NO{sub 3}] (UCsP), and In{sub 3}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 4}OH(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}].2H{sub 2}O (UInP) were obtained from hydrothermal reactions and have been structurally and chemically characterized. UZnP crystallizes in space group Pbcn, a=8.8817(7), b=6.6109(5), c=19.569(1) A; UCsP crystallizes in P-1, a=7.015(2), b=7.441(1), c=9.393(2) A, {alpha}=72.974(2), {beta}=74.261(2), {gamma}=79.498(2); and UInP crystallizes in P-1, a=7.9856(5), b=9.159(1), c=9.2398(6) A {alpha}=101.289(1), {beta}=114.642(1), {gamma}=99.203(2). The U{sup 6+} cations are present as (UO{sub 2}){sup 2+} uranyl ions coordinated by five O atoms to give pentagonal bipyramids. The structural unit in UZnP is a finite cluster containing a uranyl pentagonal bipyramid that shares corners with two phosphate tetrahedra. The structural unit in UCsP is composed of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids with one chelating nitrate group that are linked into chains by three bridging hydrogen phosphate tetrahedra. In UInP, the structural unit contains pairs of edge-sharing uranyl pentagonal bipyramids with two chelating phosphate tetrahedra that are linked into chains through two bridging phosphate tetrahedra. Indium octahedra link these uranyl phosphate chains into a 3-dimensional framework. All three compounds exhibit unique structural units that deviate from the typical layered structures observed in uranyl phosphate solid-state chemistry. - Graphical abstract: Three new uranyl phosphates with unique structural units are reported. Black-Small-Square Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three new uranyl phosphates have been synthesized hydrothermally. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Single crystal analyses reveal unique structural units. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The dimensionality of these compounds deviate from typical U{sup 6+} layered structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multimetallic Layered Composites (MMLCs) for Rapid, Economical Advanced Reactor Deployment (Final Report)

This project focused on the development of multi-metallic layered composites (MMLCs) for advanced fission reactor technologies. There are many instances where one alloy or material simply cannot meet all the demands thrown at it by a reactor system, or cannot allow it to perform as strongly as one would like. Instead of focusing all our effort on developing one perfect alloy, we seek to leverage the design principle of “separation of functionality,” used in many other arenas in design, to boost performance beyond single alloys alone. One illustrative example shows the power of this approach for molten salt-cooled reactors: A three meter tall, three meter diameter reactor vessel made of Incoloy 800 was quoted at $\$$500k in 2018. A Hastelloy N vessel was quoted at $\$$5M. An MMLC vessel, in which a layer of Hastelloy N would be weld-overlaid onto Incoloy 800, was quoted at $\$$700k, and it would achieve the same performance. The potential economic gains of leveraging this approach are therefore substantial. At a minimum, each MMLC would contain one core structural layer and one coolant-facing corrosion-resistant layer. Sometimes, MMLCs required buffer layers, as the structural and corrosion-resistant layers were metallurgically incompatible. In other words, they didn’t always play nice, thus separating layers compatible with both functioned as intermediaries to keep the composite together. However, in doing so we inevitably produce new interfaces, where new issues can arise. Therefore, this project focused on what happens at these interfaces from a combination of high temperatures, irradiation, corrosion, and time. After all, a reactor makes money when it is operating, and outages of any kind erode its economic viability. First, we set out to experimentally prove that MMLCs for at least two advanced reactor systems can be made, today, in US domestic facilities. In this respect we were successful – one MMLC (a Ni-201/Incoloy 800H composite) was successfully made and drawn into two-inch coolant piping. Others were attempted, though new issues relating to cracking in vanadium layers for one and radiation damage performance of the corrosion-resistant layer in another prevented us from moving further in those specific arenas – these are engineering problems which deserve continued focus after this project. Additional experimental work focused on long-term corrosion testing of the outermost layers of the salt-cooled and liquid lead-cooled MMLC concepts, which would then be fed into predictions of how long the MMLCs could last. Next, computational (thermodynamics and atomistic) simulation studies studied how much we expect the interfaces to “blend,” due to the mixing action of neutron irradiation. This eats into both the margin for the structural layer of each MMLC, as dilution from the corrosion-resistant layer into the structural layer would decrease the total load-bearing capacity of an MMLC of finite size. On the other hand, dilution of the corrosion-resistant layer into the structural layer further reduced the margin of corrodible material, reducing the lifetime of the MMLC or necessitating extra thickness to be imparted to the MMLC to meet its functional requirements. Work here focused on irradiation-induced segregation to predict new phases which may embrittle the MMLCs, as well as quantifying irradiation-induced mixing at each interface. The results showed that mixing is expected, but it is both steady and therefore predictable, and not lifetime-limiting for most MMLC concepts – it simply has to be accounted for in calculations of reactor performance when utilizing an MMLC. Then, full-core simulations using the experimentally-derived corrosion data, the computationally discovered irradiation-induced mixing data (partially validated by experiment), and existing, benchmarked core designs for large and small sized reactor concepts (one salt-cooled, one lead-cooled) were conducted to quantify any expansion of reactor operating envelopes achieved by utilizing these MMLCs. This new framework, called REX (Reactor Envelope Expansion), incorporates a combination of core neutronics, thermal hydraulics, and the material performance data derived from this project to see how using an MMLC expands advanced fission reactor operating envelopes. It was discovered that in some cases, MMLC utilization does indeed increase the maximum operating temperatures and cycle lengths of reactor concepts, while in other cases it does not. Finally, our tech-to-market (T2M) strategy was not necessarily to create specific embodiments of MMLCs for immediate sale (because getting into the nuclear market is incredibly slow and laden with regulation, this is a long-term goal), but rather immediate stimulation of US industry using the design approach of MMLCs derived from this project. In this respect we were successful, as one of the PhD students funded on this project co-founded Allium Engineering, Inc., which created a stainless steel / low-alloy steel MMLC to function as chloride corrosion-resistant rebar for embedding into concrete structures. Allium Engineering continues to be successful, having recently opened their first factory as of this writing.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Investigation on three new metal carboxydiphosphonates: Syntheses, structures, magnetic and luminescent properties

A new multifunctionalized phosphoric acid, (2-(diphosphonomethylamino)nicotinic acid, Py(COOH)(NHCH--(PO{sub 3}H{sub 2}){sub 2}), H{sub 5}L{sup 1}), has been employed as ligand for the construction of new metal phosphonates. By reacting it with different metal chlorides under hydrothermal condition, three new transition metal phosphonates, namely, [Co{sub 2}(HL{sup 1})(H{sub 2}O){sub 5}][H{sub 2}O]{sub 3} (1), Zn(H{sub 3}L{sup 1}) (2) and [Cd(H{sub 3}L{sup 1})(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}][H{sub 2}O] (3) were successfully obtained. The single-crystal structure measurements indicated that the coordination mode of ligand H{sub 5}L{sup 1} is metal-dependant and results in different structures. For compound 1, it features 2D layered structure. Whereas compounds 2 and 3 have 1D chain structures. Under the excitation of 250 nm light, both compounds 2 and 3 show intraligand and ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) emission bands at about 415 and 420 nm, respectively. Magnetic study shows that compound 1 displays antiferromagnetic behavior. - Graphical abstract: Three new metal phosphonates were synthesized from a multifunctionalized phosphonate ligand and different metal chlorides. Their structures, thermal stabilities, luminescent and magnetic properties were characterized. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three new metal phosphonates were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Compound 1 exhibits 2D layered structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Compounds 2 and 3 have 1D infinite chain structures. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Compound 1 displays antiferromagnetic behavior. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Compounds 2 and 3 show intraligand and ligand to metal charge transfer emission bands.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Double layer-like structures in the core of an argon helicon plasma source with uniform magnetic fields

A hot (T{sub e} ≈ 10 eV) electron population is observed in the core of a 3 mTorr argon helicon plasma source at 500 W RF power and 900 G uniform axial magnetic field strength, 12 cm from the edge of the helicon antenna. A double layer-like structure consisting of a localized axial electric field of approximately 8 V/cm over 1–2 cm is observed adjacent to the hot electron population. The potential step generated by the electric field is shown to be large enough to trap the hot electrons. To our knowledge this is the first observation of these structures in the core of a helicon discharge.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Two Ce-containing 3D metal–organic frameworks: In situ formation of ligand (DDPD)

Hydrothermal reactions of cerium nitrate and 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (OH-H{sub 2}BDC) produce two new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), ([Ce(DDPD){sub 1.5}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2.5}]·4H{sub 2}O){sub n} (1) and ([Ce(OH-BDC)(OH-HBDC)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]·2H{sub 2}O]{sub n} (2) (DDPD(II)=5,10-dioxo-5,10-dihydro-4,9-dioxapyrene-2,7-dicarboxylate(II)). These two complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It was remarkable that the in situ reaction of OH-H{sub 2}BDC to DDPD(II) was found in complex 1. In 1, Ce(III) ions are bridged by DDPD ligands to form infinite 1D chain, which is further connected via DDPD ligands to form 3D structure. Complex 2 possesses a neutral noninterpenetrating 2D layer structure. Furthermore, the fluorescence properties and magnetic behavior of 1 and 2 have been investigated. - Graphical abstract: In complex 1, the in situ reaction of OH-H{sub 2}BDC to DDPD(II) was found. Complex 1 features a 3D network structure. Adjacent Ce(III) ions are bridged by two carboxylate groups to form a 1D infinite inorganic chain, and further linked by the DDPD(II) ligands. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Complexes 1 and 2 was synthesized via hydrothermal methods. • In situ reaction of OH-H{sub 2}BDC to DDPD(II) was found in complex 1. • Ce(III) ions are bridged by the DDPD(II) ligands to generate a 3D structure in complex 1. • Complex 2 possesses a neutral noninterpenetrating 2D layer structure. • Fluorescent properties and magnetic behavior of 1 and 2 have been studied.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Pyrite shrink-film laminate as a hydroxyl radical generator

Disclosed are hydroxyl radial generating devices, comprising: a substrate layer; and a pyrite layer configured to produce hydroxyl radicals. Another aspect relates to a method for producing a hydroxyl radical generating device, comprising: providing a polymeric substrate layer; placing a layer of pyrite on a surface of the polymeric substrate layer to form a multi-layer structure; and applying heat to the multi-layer structure such that at least the surface of the polymeric substrate layer contracts; wherein the layer of pyrite contracts to a lesser extent than the surface of the polymeric substrate layer providing a textured surface comprising the pyrite layer. Also disclosed is a method of analysis, comprising: placing a solution comprising a biological substance on a sample site of a hydroxyl generating device comprising a surface of pyrite; incubating the solution; and analyzing a sample including proteolytic fragments of the biological substance.

Brenowitz, Michael David↗
DOE OSTI2013

The synthesis and characterisation of LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8}

The synthesis and characterisation of LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8} is described. Neutron powder diffraction data reveal LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8} adopts an anion-vacancy ordered, 'triple layer' structure consisting of an OOT{sub L}OOT{sub R} stacking sequence of layers of (Fe/Ga)O{sub 6} octahedra (O) and (Fe/Ga)O{sub 4} tetrahedra (T), related to that of the 4-layer brownmillerite structures (a=5.4784(1) A, b=22.6780(4) A, c=5.6007(1) A, space group Pbma). The apex-linked chains of tetrahedra within structure of LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8} exhibit a cooperative twisting distortion which alternates in direction between adjacent layers of tetrahedra, the first time such an arrangement has been seen in a triple-layer phase. Magnetisation and neutron diffraction data reveal that LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8} exhibits two magnetic ordering transitions. On cooling below 550 K the phase adopts a state with short range antiferromagnetic coupling within each double layer of (Fe/Ga)O{sub 6} octahedra, but only weak coupling between layers. On cooling below 470 K full three-dimensional, G-type antiferromagnetic order is observed. - Graphical abstract: LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8} adopts an anion-vacancy ordered, 'triple layer' structure consisting of an OOT{sub L}OOT{sub R} stacking sequence of layers of FeO{sub 6} octahedra (O) and GaO{sub 4} tetrahedra (T), in which the chains of apex-linked tetrahedra exhibit a cooperative twisting distortion which alternates in direction between adjacent layers of tetrahedra. On cooling below 550 K, LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8} adopts a state with strong two-dimensional antiferromagnetic order within each double layer of FeO{sub 6} octahedra, but only weak coupling between layers. On cooling below 470 K full three-dimensional antiferromagnetic order is observed. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer LaCa{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}GaO{sub 8} exhibits a novel anion-vacancy ordered triple-layer structure type. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer New structure variant rationalised on the basis of strucutral parameters. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Multiple magnetic transitions: paramagnetic-two-dimensional-three-dimensional.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis, structure and characterization of two new open-framework gallium phosphite-oxalates of varying dimensionality

Using N, N-dimethyl-piperazine as structure directing agent, two new gallium phosphite-oxalates [Ga{sub 2}(HPO{sub 3}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}PO{sub 3}){sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})](C{sub 6}N{sub 2}H{sub 16}) (I) and [Ga{sub 2}(HPO{sub 3}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}PO{sub 3})(C{sub 2}O{sub 4})](C{sub 6}N{sub 2}H{sub 16}){sub 0.5} (II) have been synthesized under solvothermal and hydrothermal conditions, respectively and further characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, TGA, ICP-AES and elemental analyses. Single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the striking feature of I and II is that they possess the same second building unit (SBU) Ga{sub 2}P{sub 2} constructed from two GaO{sub 6} octahedra and two [HPO{sub 3}{sup 2−}] pseudo-pyramids sharing oxygen atoms. However, due to the different connecting fashions of SBUs, [C{sub 2}O{sub 4}{sup 2−}] groups and [H{sub 2}PO{sub 3}{sup −}] pseudo-pyramids, the final frameworks of them are distinctly different. Compound I shows 2D layered structures with 8-membered ring (8-MR) windows in the ab plane while compound II presents a 3D open-framework with 8-MR channels along the b axis. - Graphical abstract: Using N, N-dimethyl-piperazine as structure directing agent, two new gallium phosphite-oxalates I showing 2D layered structure and II presenting 3D open-framework have been synthesized under solvothermal and hydrothermal conditions, respectively. - Highlights: • Using N, N-dimethyl-piperazine as structure directing agent, two new gallium phosphite-oxalates have been synthesized under solvothermal and hydrothermal conditions, respectively. • The same second building unit (SBU) is displayed in both compounds. • Compound I shows 2D layered structure with 8-MR windows while compound II presents 3D open-framework with 8-MR channels. • The solvent plays an important role on the formation of microporous compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Layer-Dependent Electronic Structure of Atomically Resolved Two-Dimensional Gallium Selenide Telluride

Alloying two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors provides a powerful method to tune their physical properties, especially those relevant to optoelectronic applications. However, as the crystal structure becomes more complex, it becomes increasingly difficult to accurately correlate response characteristics to detailed atomic structure. We investigate, via annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation, the layered III-VI alloy GaSe 0.5 Te 0.5 as a function of layer number. The local atomic structure and stacking sequence for different layers is explicitly determined. We complement the measurements with first-principles calculations of the total energy and electronic band structure of GaSe 0.5 Te 0.5 for different crystal structures and layer number. The electronic band gap as well as the π and π + σ plasmons are found to be sensitive to layer number.

2D semiconductor alloys↗
DOE OSTI2019

An Overview on the Local Atomic Displacements and Electronic Structures in BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-Based Superconductors

Superconductivity with layered structure has attracted intensive research interests due to their exotic superconducting properties. In 2012, a new family of BiS{sub 2}-based superconductor with their desired layered structure has been discovered. Recently, the isostructural superconductor with the substitution of Se for all S ions in BiS{sub 2}-based compounds is recognized as the BiSe{sub 2}-based superconductors. To date, enormous efforts were dedicated to explore the physical properties of this new family. Among them, synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) contributed significantly to the understanding of local atomic structure and the electronic structure of BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-based systems. This article reviewed the progresses in the study of the new BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-based materials revealed by the unique technique XAS, including the determination of valence state, local atomic displacements, as well as the different structural distortion between BiS{sub 2}-based and BiSe{sub 2}-based systems. The superconductivity of BiS{sub 2}- and BiSe{sub 2}-based system is indeed intimately related to valence states and local atomic displacements. Further development of microscopic mechanism of superconductivity in BiS{sub 2}/BiSe{sub 2}-based materials requires synergetic endeavors integrating new experimental, numerical, and theoretical techniques.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗